Nano-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems

TL;DR

Nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems (NOEMS) are emerging hybrid nanoscale devices that enable dynamic light control and efficient microwave-optical transduction, with significant potential in classical and quantum applications.

Contribution

This paper reviews the fundamental physical limits, recent technological progress, and future directions of NOEMS, a novel class of hybrid nanoscale systems coupling optical, electrical, and mechanical modes.

Findings

NOEMS can dynamically control light flow at high speed and low power.

Recent implementations demonstrate effective transduction between microwave and optical signals.

Fundamental physical limits of NOEMS are discussed in detail.

Abstract

A new class of hybrid systems that couple optical, electrical and mechanical degrees of freedom in nanoscale devices is under development in laboratories worldwide. These nano-opto-electro-mechanical systems (NOEMS) offer unprecedented opportunities to dynamically control the flow of light in nanophotonic structures, at high speed and low power consumption. Drawing on conceptual and technological advances from cavity optomechanics, they also bear the potential for highly efficient, low-noise transducers between microwave and optical signals, both in the classical and quantum domains. This Progress Article discusses the fundamental physical limits of NOEMS, reviews the recent progress in their implementation, and suggests potential avenues for further developments in this field.