arXiv subjects

Lukas Novotny

Publications and source records attributed to Lukas Novotny.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2017

A levitated nanoparticle as a classical two-level atom

The center-of-mass motion of a single optically levitated nanoparticle resembles three uncoupled harmonic oscillators. We show how a suitable modulation of the optical trapping potential can give rise to a coupling between two of these oscillators, such that their dynamics are governed by a classical equation of motion that resembles the Schrödinger equation for a two-level system. Based on experimental data, we illustrate the dynamics of this parametrically coupled system both in the frequency and in the time domain. We discuss the limitations and differences of the mechanical analogue in comparison to a true quantum mechanical system.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

Antenna-coupled photon emission from hexagonal boron nitride tunnel junctions

The ultrafast conversion of electrical to optical signals at the nanoscale is of fundamental interest for data processing, telecommunication and optical interconnects. However, the modulation bandwidths of semiconductor LEDs are limited by the spontaneous recombination rate of electron-hole pairs and the footprint of electrically-driven ultrafast lasers is too large for practical on-chip integration. A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) tunnel junction approaches the ultimate size limit of electronic devices and its operating speed is fundamentally limited only by the tunneling time. Here we study the conversion of electron energy - localized in vertical gold-h-BN-gold tunnel junctions - into free space photons, mediated by resonant slot antennas. Optical antennas efficiently bridge the size-mismatch between nanoscale volumes and far-field radiation and strongly enhance the electron-photon conversion efficiency. We achieve polarized, directional and resonantly enhanced light emission from inelastic electron tunneling and establish a novel platform for studying the interaction of electrons with strong electromagnetic fields. Our results pave the way for the further development of nanoscopic sources of light enabled by the combination of nanophotonic design principles and nanoelectronics.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

The World of Fast Moving Objects

The notion of a Fast Moving Object (FMO), i.e. an object that moves over a distance exceeding its size within the exposure time, is introduced. FMOs may, and typically do, rotate with high angular speed. FMOs are very common in sports videos, but are not rare elsewhere. In a single frame, such objects are often barely visible and appear as semi-transparent streaks. A method for the detection and tracking of FMOs is proposed. The method consists of three distinct algorithms, which form an efficient localization pipeline that operates successfully in a broad range of conditions. We show that it is possible to recover the appearance of the object and its axis of rotation, despite its blurred appearance. The proposed method is evaluated on a new annotated dataset. The results show that existing trackers are inadequate for the problem of FMO localization and a new approach is required. Two applications of localization, temporal super-resolution and highlighting, are presented.

cs.CV↗

arXiv2016

Polyyne Electronic and Vibrational Properties under Environmental Interactions

Recently, the novel system of linear carbon chains inside of double-walled carbon nanotubes has extended the length of $sp^1$ hybridized carbon chains from 44 to thousands of atoms [L. Shi et al., Nat. Mater. 15, 634 (2016)]. The optoelectronic properties of these ultra-long chains are poorly described by current theoretical models, which are based on short chain experimental data and assume a constant environment. As such, a physical understanding of the system in terms of charge transfer and van der Waals interactions is widely missing. We provide a reference for the intrinsic Raman frequency of polyynes in vacuo and explicitly describe the interactions between polyynes and carbon nanotubes. We find that van der Waals interactions strongly shift the Raman frequency, which has been neither expected nor addressed before. As a consequence of charge transfer from the tube to the chain, the Raman response of long chains is qualitatively different from the known phonon dispersion of polymers close to the $Γ$-point. Based on these findings we show how to correctly interpret the Raman data, considering the nanotube's properties. This is essential for its use as an analytical tool to optimize the growth process for future applications.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2016

Light-Matter Interactions: A Coupled Oscillator Description

The semiclassical theory of light-matter interactions describes the interaction between a classical electromagnetic field with a quantum mechanical two-level system.We show that the quantum mechanical two-level system can be modeled by a system of two coupled classical harmonic oscillators whose eigenstates are split in frequency according to the coupling strength and play the roles of the two levels of the quantum mechanical two-level system. The effect of the light field on the mechanical system is modeled as a modulation of the spring constants of the individual oscillators. Using this fully classical model, we derive the Bloch equations for a two-level system and discuss the mechanical analogues of Rabi oscillations and coherent control experiments

physics.optics↗

arXiv2016

Direct Measurement of Photon Recoil from a Levitated Nanoparticle

The momentum transfer between a photon and an object defines a fundamental limit for the precision with which the object can be measured. If the object oscillates at a frequency $Ω_0$, this measurement back-action adds quanta $\hbarΩ_0$ to the oscillator's energy at a rate $Γ_{\rm recoil}$, a process called photon recoil heating, and sets bounds to quantum coherence times in cavity optomechanical systems. Here, we use an optically levitated nanoparticle in ultrahigh vacuum to directly measure $Γ_{\rm recoil}$. By means of a phase-sensitive feedback scheme, we cool the harmonic motion of the nanoparticle from ambient to micro-Kelvin temperatures and measure its reheating rate under the influence of the radiation field. The recoil heating rate is measured for different particle sizes and for different excitation powers, without the need for cavity optics or cryogenic environments. The measurements are in quantitative agreement with theoretical predictions and provide valuable guidance for the realization of quantum ground-state cooling protocols and the measurement of ultrasmall forces

physics.optics↗

arXiv2016

Thermal radiative near field transport between vanadium dioxide and silicon oxide across the metal insulator transition

The thermal radiative near field transport between vanadium dioxide and silicon oxide at submicron distances is expected to exhibit a strong dependence on the state of vanadium dioxide which undergoes a metal-insulator transition near room temperature. We report the measurement of near field thermal transport between a heated silicon oxide micro-sphere and a vanadium dioxide thin film on a titanium oxide (rutile) substrate. The temperatures of the 15 nm vanadium dioxide thin film varied to be below and above the metal-insulator-transition, the sphere temperatures were varied in a range between 100 and 200 Celsius. The measurements were performed using a vacuum-based scanning thermal microscope with a cantilevered resistive thermal sensor. We observe a thermal conductivity per unit area between the sphere and the film with a distance dependence following a power law trend and a conductance contrast larger than 2 for the two different phase states of the film.

cond-mat.str-el↗

arXiv2015

Long distance manipulation of a levitated nanoparticle in high vacuum

Accurate delivery of small targets in high vacuum is a pivotal task in many branches of science and technology. Beyond the different strategies developed for atoms, proteins, macroscopic clusters and pellets, the manipulation of neutral particles over macroscopic distances still poses a formidable challenge. Here we report a novel approach based on a mobile optical trap operated under feedback control that enables long range 3D manipulation of a silica nanoparticle in high vacuum. We apply this technique to load a single nanoparticle into a high-finesse optical cavity through a load-lock vacuum system. We foresee our scheme to benefit the field of optomechanics with levitating nano-objects as well as ultrasensitive detection and monitoring.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2015

Macroscopic quantum resonators (MAQRO): 2015 Update

Do the laws of quantum physics still hold for macroscopic objects - this is at the heart of Schrödinger's cat paradox - or do gravitation or yet unknown effects set a limit for massive particles? What is the fundamental relation between quantum physics and gravity? Ground-based experiments addressing these questions may soon face limitations due to limited free-fall times and the quality of vacuum and microgravity. The proposed mission MAQRO may overcome these limitations and allow addressing those fundamental questions. MAQRO harnesses recent developments in quantum optomechanics, high-mass matter-wave interferometry as well as state-of-the-art space technology to push macroscopic quantum experiments towards their ultimate performance limits and to open new horizons for applying quantum technology in space. The main scientific goal of MAQRO is to probe the vastly unexplored "quantum-classical" transition for increasingly massive objects, testing the predictions of quantum theory for truly macroscopic objects in a size and mass regime unachievable in ground-based experiments. The hardware for the mission will largely be based on available space technology. Here, we present the MAQRO proposal submitted in response to the (M4) Cosmic Vision call of the European Space Agency for a medium-size mission opportunity with a possible launch in 2025.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Stokes--anti-Stokes Correlations in Raman Scattering from Diamond Membranes

We investigate the arrival statistics of Stokes (S) and anti-Stokes (aS) Raman photons generated in diamond membranes. Strong quantum correlations between the S and aS signals are observed, which implies that the two processes share the same phonon, that is, the phonon excited by the S process is consumed in the aS process. We show that the intensity cross-correlation $g_{\rm S,aS}^{(2)}(0)$, which describes the simultaneous detection of Stokes and anti-Stokes photons, decreases steadily with laser power as $1/{\rm P_L}$. Contrary to many other material systems, diamond exhibits a maximum $g_{\rm S,aS}^{(2)}(0)$ at very low pump powers, implying that the Stokes-induced aS photons outnumber the thermally generated aS photons. On the other hand, the coincidence rate shows a quadratic plus cubic power dependence, which indicates a departure from the Stokes-induced anti-Stokes process.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2015

Non-equilibrium steady state of a driven levitated particle with feedback cooling

Laser trapped nanoparticles have been recently used as model systems to study fundamental relations holding far from equilibrium. Here we study, both experimentally and theoretically, a nanoscale silica sphere levitated by a laser in a low density gas. The center of mass motion of the particle is subjected, at the same time, to feedback cooling and a parametric modulation driving the system into a non-equilibrium steady state. Based on the Langevin equation of motion of the particle, we derive an analytical expression for the energy distribution of this steady state showing that the average and variance of the energy distribution can be controlled separately by appropriate choice of the friction, cooling and modulation parameters. Energy distributions determined in computer simulations and measured in a laboratory experiment agree well with the analytical predictions. We analyse the particle motion also in terms of the quadratures and find thermal squeezing depending on the degree of detuning.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

The role of titanium in electromigrated tunnel junctions

A standard route for fabrication of nanoscopic tunnel junctions is via electromigration of lithographically prepared gold nanowires. In the lithography process, a thin adhesion layer, typically titanium, is used to promote the adhesion of the gold nanowires to the substrate. Here, we demonstrate that such an adhesion layer plays a vital role in the electrical transport behavior of electromigrated tunnel junctions. We show that junctions fabricated from gold deposited on top of a titanium adhesion layer are electrically stable at ambient conditions, in contrast to gold junctions without a titanium adhesion layer. We furthermore find that electromigrated junctions fabricated from pure titanium are electrically exceptionally stable. Based on our transport data, we provide evidence that the barrier in gold-on-titanium tunnel devices is formed by the native oxide of titanium.

cond-mat.mtrl-sci↗

arXiv2014

The Classical Bloch Equations

Coherent control of a quantum mechanical two-level system is at the heart of magnetic resonance imaging, quantum information processing, and quantum optics. Among the most prominent phenomena in quantum coherent control are Rabi oscillations, Ramsey fringes and Hahn echoes. We demonstrate that these phenomena can be derived classically by use of a simple coupled harmonic oscillator model. The classical problem can be cast in a form that is formally equivalent to the quantum mechanical Bloch equations with the exception that the longitudinal and the transverse relaxation times ($T_1$ and $T_2$) are equal. The classical analysis is intuitive and well suited for familiarizing students with the basic concepts of quantum coherent control, while at the same time highlighting the fundamental differences between classical and quantum theories.

quant-ph↗

arXiv2014

Optical-phonon resonances with saddle-point excitons in twisted-bilayer graphene

Twisted-bilayer graphene (tBLG) exhibits van Hove singularities in the density of states that can be tuned by changing the twisting angle $θ$. A $θ$-defined tBLG has been produced and characterized with optical reflectivity and resonance Raman scattering. The $θ$-engineered optical response is shown to be consistent with persistent saddle-point excitons. Separate resonances with Stokes and anti-Stokes Raman scattering components can be achieved due to the sharpness of the two-dimensional saddle-point excitons, similar to what has been previously observed for one-dimensional carbon nanotubes. The excitation power dependence for the Stokes and anti-Stokes emissions indicate that the two processes are correlated and that they share the same phonon.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

Integrated nanophotonics based on wire plasmons and atomically-thin material

Photonic integrated circuits are an enabling technology in modern communications systems. The continually increasing demands for higher-speed and lower operating power devices have resulted in the continued impetus to shrink photonic components. In this work, we demonstrate a primitive nanophotonic integrated circuit element composed of a single silver nanowire and single-layer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) flake. We show that nanowire plasmons can excite MoS2 photoluminescence via direct plasmon-to-exciton conversion along the wire and plasmon-to-photon-to-exciton conversion at the MoS2-covered wire end. We also find that the reverse process is possible: MoS2 excitons can decay into nanowire plasmons that can then be routed via the nanowire on-chip. Finally, we demonstrate that the nanowire may serve the dual purpose of both exciting MoS2 photoluminescence via plasmons and recollecting the decaying excitons.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

Dynamic Relaxation of a Levitated Nanoparticle from a Non-Equilibrium Steady State

Fluctuation theorems are a generalization of thermodynamics on small scales and provide the tools to characterize the fluctuations of thermodynamic quantities in non-equilibrium nanoscale systems. They are particularly important for understanding irreversibility and the second law in fundamental chemical and biological processes that are actively driven, thus operating far from thermal equilibrium. Here, we apply the framework of fluctuation theorems to investigate the important case of a system relaxing from a non-equilibrium state towards equilibrium. Using a vacuum-trapped nanoparticle, we demonstrate experimentally the validity of a fluctuation theorem for the relative entropy change occurring during relaxation from a non-equilibrium steady state. The platform established here allows non-equilibrium fluctuation theorems to be studied experimentally for arbitrary steady states and can be extended to investigate quantum fluctuation theorems as well as systems that do not obey detailed balance.

cond-mat.stat-mech↗

arXiv2014

Theory of spatial coherence in near-field Raman scattering

A theoretical study describing the coherence properties of near-field Raman scattering in two- and one-dimensional systems is presented. The model is applied to the Raman modes of pristine graphene and graphene edges. Our analysis is based on the tip-enhanced Raman scheme, in which a sharp metal tip located near the sample surface acts as a broadband optical antenna that transfers the information contained in the spatially-correlated (but non-propagating) near-field to the far-field. The dependence of the scattered signal on the tip-sample separation is explored, and the theory predicts that the signal enhancement depends on the particular symmetry of a vibrational mode. The model can be applied to extract of the correlation length $L_{\rm c}$ of optical phonons from experimentally recorded near-field Raman measurements. Although the coherence properties of optical phonons have been broadly explored in the time and frequency domains, the spatially-resolved approach presented here provides an alternative probe for the study of local material properties at the nanoscale.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗

arXiv2014

Nonlinear mode-coupling and synchronization of a vacuum-trapped nanoparticle

We study the dynamics of a laser-trapped nanoparticle in high vacuum. Using parametric coupling to an external excitation source, the linewidth of the nanoparticle's oscillation can be reduced by three orders of magnitude. We show that the oscillation of the nanoparticle and the excitation source are synchronized, exhibiting a well-defined phase relationship. Furthermore, the external source can be used to controllably drive the nanoparticle into the nonlinear regime, thereby generating strong coupling between the different translational modes of the nanoparticle. Our work contributes to the understanding of the nonlinear dynamics of levitated nanoparticles in high vacuum and paves the way for studies of pattern formation, chaos, and stochastic resonance.

cond-mat.mes-hall↗