Nano- und Optomechanik

What it is about

You learn about the structure, function, and design of mechanical resonators as well as of NEMS and optomechanical detectors. In the end you will be able to describe different device types and their advantages and disadvantages, model the key interactions between resonator and detector, and plan simple experiments to measure optomechanical effects.

What you will be able to do

• name different designs of mechanical resonators, NEMS and optomechanical detectors
• state the advantages and disadvantages of the device classes
• explain the difference between bottom-up and top-down devices
• derive the optomechanical Hamiltonian and its limiting cases and analyze them for different quantum states
• classify damping mechanisms and relate them to force noise and temperature
• make material choices for resonator+detector based on fabrication techniques and material properties
• explain the operating principle of various detector schemes and distinguish detection vs. back-action mechanisms
• model the detector–resonator interaction and explain concepts such as SQL, QND and OMIT
• sketch different cooling mechanisms and estimate the final temperature of a cooling experiment
• analyze properties of simple (e.g., string, beam) and more complex (e.g., H-structure) mechanical structures
• assess feasibility of an optomechanical sensor for small and large displacements
• plan an experiment to measure an effect addressed in the module

What the module consists of

• VorlesungVermittlung der theoretischen Grundlagen, Modelle und Effekte
• ÜbungAnwendung und Vertiefung durch Beispiele und Rechnungen
• Projekt/PraktikumPlanung und ggf. Durchführung eines Experiments (sofern angeboten)

Teaching method

• VorlesungIntroduction and derivation of the concepts
• Übungen/BeispieleTraining of model building and estimations
• Experimentelle Planung/ProjektarbeitenApplication of the learned material to plan real measurement setups