Quantum Electromechanical Systems

Miles Blencowe, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Dartmouth College

Quantum electromechanical systems (QEMs) are nano-to-micron scale mechanical resonators coupled electromagnetically to quantum electronic devices of comparable dimensions. We give an overview of recent theoretical and experimental work in QEMs. Topics that will be discussed include the quantum of thermal conductance, displacement detection approaching the quantum limit using single electron transistors, cooling of a nanomechanical resonator using quantum backaction, and the generation and detection of mechanical superposition states using a Cooper-pair box.

Electron micrograph of a superconducting single electron transistor (SSET) coupled to a dubly-clamped nanomechanical beam resonator, along with measurement circuit scheme. The quantum backaction of the SSET was used to cool the mechanical resonator. [From A. Naik et al., Nature 443 (2006) 193].

The P/T Colloquium is
typically held each
Thursday, 3:45–5:00 PM.

Collaborations 3:15 PM.