Comment on "A classical model for asymmetric sidebands in cavity optomechanical measurements"

TL;DR

This paper refutes a classical explanation for asymmetric sidebands in cavity optomechanical measurements, confirming the quantum mechanical nature of the observed effects through experimental data and discussing the implications of different mathematical models.

Contribution

It provides experimental evidence against purely classical explanations and clarifies the role of mathematical formulations in interpreting asymmetry in optomechanical signals.

Findings

Classical models are inconsistent with published experimental data.

Quantum mechanics is necessary to explain the observed asymmetry.

Mathematical formulation impacts the interpretation of measurement results.

Abstract

We respond to a recent manuscript by Tsang [arXiv:1306.2699], on whether the measurement presented in Safavi-Naeini et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 033602 (2012)] can be explained "without reference to quantum mechanics". We show that the fully classical analysis provided by Tsang, and previously by Safavi-Naeini et al. [New J. Phys. 15, 035007 (2013)], has been ruled out by our published data. In addition, we discuss the role of the mathematical formulation used on the interpretation of the asymmetry effect, as has previously been considered by Khalili et al. [Phys. Rev. A 86, 033840 (2012)].