Quantum statistical effects in nano-oscillator arrays

TL;DR

This paper predicts quantum statistical effects in nano-oscillator arrays, suggesting they can be used to test quantum mechanics at macroscopic scales with current technology.

Contribution

It provides theoretical predictions of density of states and quantum effects in large nano-oscillator arrays, highlighting their potential for quantum experiments.

Findings

Significant gaps in the density of states of 2D elastic systems.

Average DOS nearly independent of frequency below 50 GHz.

Feasibility of experimental verification with current technology.

Abstract

We have theoretically predicted the density of states(DOS), the low temperature specific heat, and Brillouin scattering spectra of a large, free standing array of coupled nano-oscillators. We have found significant gaps in the DOS of 2D elastic systems, and predict the average DOS to be nearly independent of frequency over a broad band f < 50GHz. At low temperatures, the measurements probe the quantum statistics obeyed by rigid body modes of the array and, thus, could be used to verify the quantization of the associated energy levels. These states, in turn, involve center-of mass motion of large numbers of atoms, N > 1.e14, and therefore such observations would extend the domain in which quantum mechanics has been experimentally tested. We have found the required measurement capability to carry out this investigation to be within reach of current technology.