A Quantum Optomechanical Interface Beyond the Resolved Sideband Limit

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates a method for deterministic quantum state exchange between light and mechanical oscillators outside the resolved sideband limit, broadening the operational parameter space for quantum optomechanics.

Contribution

It introduces a new approach enabling full state swaps in the unresolved sideband regime, expanding the capabilities of optomechanical quantum interfaces.

Findings

Deterministic state exchange outside the resolved sideband limit.

High-bandwidth quantum interface for mechanical oscillators.

Generation of non-classical motional states in low-frequency oscillators.

Abstract

Mechanical oscillators which respond to radiation pressure are a promising means of transferring quantum information between light and matter. Optical--mechanical state swaps are a key operation in this setting. Existing proposals for optomechanical state swap interfaces are only effective in the resolved sideband limit. Here, we show that it is possible to fully and deterministically exchange mechanical and optical states outside of this limit, in the common case that the cavity linewidth is larger than the mechanical resonance frequency. This high-bandwidth interface opens up a significantly larger region of optomechanical parameter space, allowing generation of non-classical motional states of high-quality, low-frequency mechanical oscillators.