Talking with a ghost: semi-virtual coupled levitated oscillators

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel method of simulating coupled levitated oscillators using a virtual 'ghost' particle on an analogue computer, enabling dynamic control and new insights into non-equilibrium physics.

Contribution

It presents the first demonstration of a virtual coupled oscillator with a levitated particle, expanding the possibilities for measurement-based bath engineering and physical simulation.

Findings

Successful simulation of a ghost particle interacting with a levitated oscillator

Dynamic variation of interaction properties on an analogue computer

Potential applications in cooling mechanisms and complex physical simulations

Abstract

Mesoscopic particles levitated by optical, electrical or magnetic fields act as mechanical oscillators with a range of surprising properties, such as tuneable oscillation frequencies, access to rotational motion, and remarkable quality factors. Coupled levitated particles display rich dynamics and non-reciprocal interactions, with applications in sensing and the exploration of non-equilibrium and quantum physics. In this work, we present a single levitated particle displaying coupled-oscillator dynamics by generating an interaction with a virtual or ``ghost'' particle. This ghost levitated particle is simulated on an analogue computer, and its properties can thus be dynamically varied. Our work represents a new angle on measurement-based bath engineering and physical simulation and, in the future, could lead to the generation of novel cooling mechanisms and complex physical simulation.