Strong coupling and long-range collective interactions in optomechanical arrays

TL;DR

This paper explores collective optomechanical interactions in arrays of scatterers within a resonator, revealing a transmissive configuration that enhances coupling and enables long-range interactions, advancing quantum interface development.

Contribution

It introduces a transmissive optomechanical array configuration that significantly boosts collective coupling and facilitates long-range interactions, differing from traditional reflective setups.

Findings

Enhanced collective optomechanical coupling in transmissive arrays

Long-range interactions between array elements via light permeation

Potential for strong single-photon coupling with massive resonators

Abstract

We investigate the collective optomechanics of an ensemble of scatterers inside a Fabry-Perot resonator and identify an optimized configuration where the ensemble is transmissive, in contrast with the usual reflective optomechanics approach. In this configuration, the optomechanical coupling of a specific collective mechanical mode can be several orders of magnitude larger than the single-element case, and long-range interactions can be generated between the different elements since light permeates throughout the array. This new regime should realistically allow for achieving strong single-photon optomechanical coupling with massive resonators, realizing hybrid quantum interfaces, and exploiting collective long-range interactions in arrays of atoms or mechanical oscillators.