A parametric symmetry breaking transducer

TL;DR

This paper introduces a nonlinear force detection method using parametric symmetry breaking transduction, which encodes signals in phase state jumps, offering robustness against noise and decoupling from readout noise channels.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel nonlinear force detection technique based on parametric symmetry breaking, demonstrated with a macroscopic string, improving noise robustness in force sensing.

Findings

Force signal encoded in phase state jumps

Decoupling from readout noise channels

Robustness against thermal and quantum fluctuations

Abstract

Force detectors rely on resonators to transduce forces into a readable signal. Usually these resonators operate in the linear regime and their signal appears amidst a competing background comprising thermal or quantum fluctuations as well as readout noise. Here, we demonstrate that a parametric symmetry breaking transduction leads to a novel and robust nonlinear force detection in the presence of noise. The force signal is encoded in the frequency at which the system jumps between two phase states which are inherently protected against phase noise. Consequently, the transduction effectively decouples from readout noise channels. For a controlled demonstration of the method, we experiment with a macroscopic doubly-clamped string. Our method provides a promising new paradigm for high-precision force detection.