Probing optomechanical correlations between two optical beams down to the quantum level

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates radiation-pressure induced correlations between two optical beams in a cavity, paving the way for quantum-level investigations with applications in high-precision measurements and quantum optics.

Contribution

It introduces an experimental scheme to observe optomechanical correlations that can be extended to the quantum regime, advancing quantum optomechanics research.

Findings

Demonstrated classical radiation-pressure correlations between two beams

Used a high-finesse cavity with classical intensity noise

Scheme has potential to reach quantum-level correlations

Abstract

Quantum effects of radiation pressure are expected to limit the sensitivity of second-generation gravitational-wave interferometers. Though ubiquitous, such effects are so weak that they haven't been experimentally demonstrated yet. Using a high-finesse optical cavity and a classical intensity noise, we have demonstrated radiation-pressure induced correlations between two optical beams sent into the same moving mirror cavity. Our scheme can be extended down to the quantum level and has applications both in high-sensitivity measurements and in quantum optics.