arXiv · 2303.09922
Collision-resolved pressure sensing
Abstract
Heat and pressure are ultimately transmitted via quantized degrees of freedom, like gas particles and phonons. While a continuous Brownian description of these noise sources is adequate to model measurements with relatively long integration times, sufficiently precise measurements can resolve the detailed time dependence coming from individual bath-system interactions. We propose the use of nanomechanical devices operated with impulse readout sensitivity around the ``standard quantum limit'' to sense ultra-low gas pressures by directly counting the individual collisions of gas particles on a sensor. We illustrate this in two paradigmatic model systems: an optically levitated nanobead and a tethered membrane system in a phononic bandgap shield.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Daniel S. Barker, Daniel Carney, Thomas W. LeBrun, David C. Moore, Jacob M. Taylor. 2023-03-17. Collision-resolved pressure sensing. https://doi.org/10.1103/physreva.109.042616
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.