arXiv subjects

Martin Frimmer

Publications and source records attributed to Martin Frimmer.

49 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

arXiv2018

Calibration and temperature measurement of levitated optomechanical sensors

Optically levitated nanoparticles offer enormous potential for precision sensing. However, as for any other metrology device, the absolute measurement performance of a levitated-particle sensor is limited by the accuracy of the calibration relating the measured signal to an absolute displacement of the particle. Here, we suggest and demonstrate calibration protocols for levitated-nanoparticle sensors. Our calibration procedures include the treatment of anharmonicities in the trapping potential, as well as a protocol using a harmonic driving force, which is applicable if the sensor is coupled to a heat bath of unknown temperature. Finally, using the calibration, we determine the center-of-mass temperature of an optically levitated particle in thermal equilibrium from its motion, and discuss the optimal measurement time required to determine said temperature.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2018

Optical potential mapping with a levitated nanoparticle at sub-wavelength distances from a membrane

The controllable positioning of a vacuum-levitated object near a material surface is of importance for studying short-range forces, such as Casimir forces, interfacial friction forces, or gravity in yet unexplored parameter regimes. Here we optically levitate a nanoparticle in a laser beam strongly focused on a dielectric membrane. By investigating the motion of the trapped particle in vacuum, we map the position-dependent optical potential of the particle. We interferometrically measure the distance between the particle and the surface and demonstrate stable trapping in sub-wavelength proximity of the dielectric surface. Our work is important for the development of on-chip levitated optomechanics and for measuring short-range forces at sub-wavelength distances.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2017

Sensing of Static Forces with Free-Falling Nanoparticles

Miniaturized mechanical resonators have proven to be excellent force sensors. However, they usually rely on resonant sensing schemes, and their excellent performance cannot be utilized for the detection of static forces. Here, we report on a novel static-force sensing scheme and demonstrate it using optically levitated nanoparticles in vacuum. Our technique relies on an off-resonant interaction of the particle with a weak static force, and a resonant read-out of the displacement caused by this interaction. We demonstrate a force sensitivity of $10\,\mathrm{aN}$ to static gravitational and electric forces acting on the particle. Our work not only provides a tool for the closer investigation of short-range forces, but also marks an important step towards the realization of matter-wave interferometry with macroscopic objects.

physics.ins-det↗

arXiv2017

Controlling the net charge on a nanoparticle optically levitated in vacuum

Optically levitated nanoparticles in vacuum are a promising model system to test physics beyond our current understanding of quantum mechanics. Such experimental tests require extreme control over the dephasing of the levitated particle's motion. If the nanoparticle carries a finite net charge, it experiences a random Coulomb force due to fluctuating electric fields. This dephasing mechanism can be fully excluded by discharging the levitated particle. Here, we present a simple and reliable technique to control the charge on an optically levitated nanoparticle in vacuum. Our method is based on the generation of charges in an electric discharge and does not require additional optics or mechanics close to the optical trap.

physics.optics↗

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↗

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↗

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↗

arXiv2012

Spontaneous Emission Control in a Tunable Hybrid Photonic System

We experimentally demonstrate control of the rate of spontaneous emission in a tunable hybrid photonic system that consists of two canonical building blocks for spontaneous emission control, an optical antenna and a mirror, each providing a modification of the local density of optical states (LDOS).We couple fluorophores to a plasmonic antenna to create a superemitter with an enhanced decay rate. In a superemitter analog of the seminal Drexhage experiment we probe the LDOS of a nanomechanically approached mirror. Due to the electrodynamic interaction of the antenna with its own mirror image the superemitter traces the inverse LDOS of the mirror, in stark contrast to a bare source, whose decay rate is proportional to the mirror LDOS.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2012

Nanomechanical method to gauge emission quantum yield applied to NV-centers in nanodiamond

We present a technique to nanomechanically vary the distance between a fluorescent source and a mirror, thereby varying the local density of optical states at the source position. Our method can therefore serve to measure the quantum efficiency of fluorophores. Application of our technique to NV defects in diamond nanocrystals shows that their quantum yield can significantly differ from unity. Relying on a lateral scanning mechanism with shear-force probe-sample distance control our technique is straightforwardly implemented in most state-of-the-art near-field microscopes.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2012

Superemitters in Hybrid Photonic Systems: A Simple Lumping Rule for the Local Density of Optical States and its Break-Down at the Unitary Limit

We theoretically investigate how the enhancement of the radiative decay rate of a spontaneous emitter provided by coupling to an optical antenna is modified when this "superemitter" is introduced into a complex photonic environment that provides an enhanced local density of optical states (LDOS) itself, such as a microcavity. We show that photonic environments with increased LDOS further boost the performance of antennas that scatter weakly, i.e. that are far from the unitary limit, for which a simple multiplicative LDOS lumping rule holds. In contrast, enhancements provided by antennas close to the unitary limit, i.e. antennas close to the limit of maximally possible scattering strength, are strongly reduced by an enhanced LDOS of the environment. Thus, we identify multiple scattering in hybrid photonic systems as a powerful mechanism for LDOS engineering.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2011

Signature of a Fano-resonance in a plasmonic meta-molecule's local density of optical states

We present measurements on plasmonic meta-molecules under local excitation using cathodoluminescence which show a spatial redistribution of the local density of optical states (LDOS) at the same frequency where a sharp spectral Fano-feature in the extinction cross section has been observed. Our analytical model shows that both near- and far-field effects arise due to interference of the same two eigenmodes of the system. We present quantitative insights both in a bare state, and in a dressed state picture that describe plasmonic Fano interference either as near-field amplitude transfer between three coupled bare states, or as interference of two uncoupled eigenmodes in the far field. We identify the same eigenmode causing a dip in extinction to strongly enhance the radiative LDOS, making it a promising candidate for spontaneous emission control.

physics.optics↗

arXiv2011

Scanning emitter lifetime imaging microscopy for spontaneous emission control

We report an experimental technique to map and exploit the local density of optical states of arbitrary planar nano-photonic structures. The method relies on positioning a spontaneous emitter attached to a scanning probe deterministically and reversibly with respect to its photonic environment while measuring its lifetime. We demonstrate the method by imaging the enhancement of the local density of optical states around metal nanowires. By nano-positioning, the decay rate of a pointlike source of fluorescence can be reversibly and repeatedly changed by a factor of two by coupling it to the guided plasmonic mode of the wire.

physics.optics↗