Generation of classical non-Gaussian distributions by squeezing a thermal state into non-linear motion of levitated optomechanics

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates the experimental creation of non-Gaussian states in levitated optomechanics by thermal squeezing and nonlinear dynamics, advancing the understanding of nonclassical states in macroscopic systems.

Contribution

It introduces a method to generate non-Gaussian states through thermal squeezing and nonlinear motion in levitated optomechanics, with experimental validation.

Findings

Successful generation of non-Gaussian states in a levitated system

Agreement between experimental results and simulations

Potential for observing genuine nonclassical features

Abstract

We report on an experiment achieving the dynamical generation of non-Gaussian states of motion of a levitated optomechanical system. We access intrinsic Duffing-like nonlinearities by thermal squeezing of an oscillator's state of motion by rapidly switching the frequency of its trap. We characterize the experimental non-Gaussian state versus expectations from simulations and give prospects for the emergence of genuine nonclassical features.