Towards cavity-free ground-state cooling of an acoustic-frequency silicon nitride membrane
Christian M. Pluchar, Aman R. Agrawal, Edward Schenk, Dalziel J. Wilson
Abstract
We demonstrate feedback cooling of a millimeter-scale, 40 kHz SiN membrane from room temperature to 5 mK (3000 phonons) using a Michelson interferometer, and discuss the challenges to ground-state cooling without an optical cavity. This advance appears within reach of current membrane technology, positioning it as a compelling alternative to levitated systems for quantum sensing and fundamental weak force measurements.
Topics & Concepts
Materials scienceSilicon nitrideMembraneOptoelectronicsLaser coolingOpticsCurrent (fluid)Quantum dotSiliconThermoelectric coolingOptical forceNitrideRadiant coolingRefractive indexWater coolingNanotechnologyQuantumMechanical and Optical ResonatorsAdvanced Fiber Optic SensorsPhotonic and Optical Devices