arXiv subjects

André G. Primo

Publications and source records attributed to André G. Primo.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

A two-dimensional piezo-optomechanical transducer

Optical quantum networks provide a natural route for connecting distant superconducting quantum processors, enabling distributed quantum computation, sensing, and communication. Piezo-optomechanical transducers are among the leading candidates for scalable microwave-to-optical quantum interfaces. However, prior one-dimensional piezo-optomechanical transducers remain limited by optical-absorption-induced heating and the resulting thermal noise. Two-dimensional optomechanical crystals offer substantially improved thermalization from better thermal anchoring, but their structural complexity has so far hindered the realization of a fully integrated two-dimensional transducer. Here, we overcome this challenge with a new design strategy based on band structure engineering. We fabricate the devices and experimentally characterize the response, measuring an electromechanical damping rate of 4.6 kHz at room temperature and electromechanical coupling rate of 0.17 MHz by wire-bonding to a multi-mode microwave resonator at 10 mK. Bidirectional transduction is performed with a calibrated internal efficiency of 0.85\% in the continuous-wave operation, alongside pulsed photon-phonon pair generation near its quantum ground state. Our results represent a significant step toward high-efficiency and low-noise transducers for entangling remote superconducting qubits.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2024

A two-dimensional optomechanical crystal for quantum transduction

Integrated optomechanical systems are one of the leading platforms for manipulating, sensing, and distributing quantum information. The temperature increase due to residual optical absorption sets the ultimate limit on performance for these applications. In this work, we demonstrate a two-dimensional optomechanical crystal geometry, named \textbf{b-dagger}, that alleviates this problem through increased thermal anchoring to the surrounding material. Our mechanical mode operates at 7.4 GHz, well within the operation range of standard cryogenic microwave hardware and piezoelectric transducers. The enhanced thermalization combined with the large optomechanical coupling rates, $g_0/2π\approx 880~\mathrm{kHz}$, and high optical quality factors, $Q_\text{opt} = 2.4 \times 10^5$, enables the ground-state cooling of the acoustic mode to phononic occupancies as low as $n_\text{m} = 0.35$ from an initial temperature of 3 kelvin, as well as entering the optomechanical strong-coupling regime. Finally, we perform pulsed sideband asymmetry of our devices at a temperature below 10 millikelvin and demonstrate ground-state operation ($n_\text{m} < 0.45$) for repetition rates as high as 3 MHz. Our results extend the boundaries of optomechanical system capabilities and establish a robust foundation for the next generation of microwave-to-optical transducers with entanglement rates overcoming the decoherence rates of state-of-the-art superconducting qubits.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2023

Dissipative Optomechanics in High-Frequency Nanomechanical Resonators

The coherent transduction of information between microwave and optical domains is a fundamental building block for future quantum networks. A promising way to bridge these widely different frequencies is using high-frequency nanomechanical resonators interacting with low-loss optical modes. State-of-the-art optomechanical devices rely on purely dispersive interactions that are enhanced by a large photon population in the cavity. Additionally, one could use dissipative optomechanics, where photons can be scattered directly from a waveguide into a resonator hence increasing the degree of control of the acousto-optic interplay. Hitherto, such dissipative optomechanical interaction was only demonstrated at low mechanical frequencies, precluding prominent applications such as the quantum state transfer between photonic and phononic domains. Here, we show the first dissipative optomechanical system operating in the sideband-resolved regime, where the mechanical frequency is larger than the optical linewidth. Exploring this unprecedented regime, we demonstrate the impact of dissipative optomechanical coupling in reshaping both mechanical and optical spectra. Our figures represent a two-order-of-magnitude leap in the mechanical frequency and a tenfold increase in the dissipative optomechanical coupling rate compared to previous works. Further advances could enable the individual addressing of mechanical modes and help mitigate optical nonlinearities and absorption in optomechanical devices.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Optomechanical Synchronization across Multi-Octaves Frequency Spans

Experimental exploration of synchronization in scalable oscillator micro systems has unfolded a deeper understanding of networks, collective phenomena, and signal processing. Cavity optomechanical devices have played an important role in this scenario, with the perspective of bridging optical and radio frequencies through nonlinear classical and quantum synchronization concepts. In its simplest form, synchronization occurs when an oscillator is entrained by a signal with frequency nearby the oscillator's tone, and becomes increasingly challenging as their frequency detuning increases. Here, we experimentally demonstrate entrainment of a silicon-nitride optomechanical oscillator driven up to the fourth harmonic of its 32 MHz fundamental frequency. Exploring this effect, we also experimentally demonstrate for the first time a purely optomechanical RF frequency divider, where we performed frequency division up to a 4:1 ratio, i.e., from 128 MHz to 32 MHz. Further developments could harness these effects towards frequency synthesizers, phase-sensitive amplification and nonlinear sensing.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2021

Accurate modeling and characterization of photothermal forces in optomechanics

Photothermal effects have been pointed out as prominent sources of forces in optomechanical systems, competing with the standard radiation pressure interactions. In this Article, we derive a novel and accurate model for the prediction of photothermal forces and establish how some previous proposals can be complemented to yield precise results. As a proof-of-concept, we perform numerical and experimental tests on GaAs microdisks cavities and obtain striking agreement with our framework, revealing the importance of considering surface photothermal forces and the effects of multiple thermal modes in microphotonic devices.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2020

Quasinormal-mode perturbation theory for dissipative and dispersive optomechanics

Despite the several novel features arising from the dissipative optomechanical coupling, such effect remains vastly unexplored due to the lack of a simple formalism that captures non-Hermiticity in optomechanical systems. In this Letter, we show that quasinormal-mode-based perturbation theory is capable of correctly predicting both dispersive and dissipative optomechanical couplings. We validate our model through simulations and also by comparison with experimental results reported in the literature. Finally, we apply this formalism to plasmonic systems, used for molecular optomechanics, where strong dissipative coupling signatures in the amplification of vibrational modes are observed.

physics.optics↗