Optically Defined Mechanical Geometry

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel optomechanical system where light can dynamically control the geometry and mass of mechanical structures, enabling tunable localized modes with minimal optical power.

Contribution

It proposes a new method to manipulate mechanical geometry and mass using optical trapping in phononic crystals, expanding optomechanics capabilities.

Findings

Optical trapping can create tunable, localized mechanical modes.

Single-photon level power can significantly influence the structure.

The approach is feasible for chip-scale devices.

Abstract

In the field of optomechanics, radiation forces have provided a particularly high level of control over the frequency and dissipation of mechanical elements. Here we propose a class of optomechanical systems in which light exerts a similarly profound influence over two other fundamental parameters: geometry and mass. By applying an optical trap to one lattice site of an extended phononic crystal, we show it is possible to create a tunable, localized mechanical mode. Owing to light's simultaneous and constructive coupling with the structure's continuum of modes, we estimate that a trap power at the level of a single intracavity photon should be capable of producing a significant effect within a realistic, chip-scale device.