Prethermalization and nonreciprocal phonon transport in a levitated optomechanical array

TL;DR

This paper explores how an array of levitated nanospheres can exhibit unique phonon transport behaviors like prethermalization and nonreciprocity, with tunable parameters enabling new insights into thermal energy transfer.

Contribution

It introduces a highly tunable optomechanical system of levitated nanospheres for studying novel phonon transport phenomena such as prethermalization and nonreciprocal behavior.

Findings

Demonstrates tunable nonreciprocal phonon transport

Shows prethermalization phenomena in the system

Provides a platform for studying thermal energy transfer

Abstract

We consider an array of optically levitated nanospheres in vacuum and investigate nontrivial phonon transports in this system. The levitated nanospheres are coupled by optical binding. Key parameters of this system, such as the interaction range, trapping frequencies and mechanical dissipation, are all highly tunable. By tuning the spacing between neighboring spheres, the mechanical dissipation and the trapping frequency of each sphere, counter-intuitive phenomena such as prethermalization and nonreciprocal phonon transport can be achieved. Our system provides a great platform to investigate novel phonon transport and thermal energy transfer.