Sub-terahertz optomechanics

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates sub-terahertz optomechanics using a lithium niobate resonator, enabling high-frequency mechanical oscillations and paving the way for quantum regime applications at higher temperatures.

Contribution

It introduces a hybrid platform with a suspended lithium niobate resonator supporting mechanical oscillations in the sub-terahertz range.

Findings

Mechanical oscillations at sub-terahertz frequencies achieved

Cavity optomechanical coupling demonstrated

Platform suitable for quantum regime at elevated temperatures

Abstract

We demonstrate optomechanics in the sub-terahertz regime. An optical racetrack resonator, patterned from thin-film lithium niobate, is suspended to support mechanical structures oscillating at these extremely high frequencies, which are read out through cavity optomechanical coupling. Our hybrid platform paves the way for advancing mechanical systems in the quantum regime at elevated temperatures.