Cavity Optomechanics

TL;DR

This paper reviews the field of cavity optomechanics, discussing the interaction between light and mechanical motion, experimental systems, measurement techniques, nonlinear dynamics, quantum prospects, and future applications.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of cavity optomechanics, including recent advances, experimental systems, and future directions in quantum physics and technology.

Findings

Various experimental systems demonstrate optomechanical interaction

Optical measurements enable cooling and amplification of mechanical motion

Potential for fundamental quantum experiments and technological applications

Abstract

We review the field of cavity optomechanics, which explores the interaction between electromagnetic radiation and nano- or micromechanical motion. This review covers the basics of optical cavities and mechanical resonators, their mutual optomechanical interaction mediated by the radiation pressure force, the large variety of experimental systems which exhibit this interaction, optical measurements of mechanical motion, dynamical backaction amplification and cooling, nonlinear dynamics, multimode optomechanics, and proposals for future cavity quantum optomechanics experiments. In addition, we describe the perspectives for fundamental quantum physics and for possible applications of optomechanical devices.