The sensitivity of a mechanical transducer is ultimately limited by its inherent quantum fluctuations. Here, we use an optically levitated nanoparticle to measure impulsive forces smaller than the particle’s zero-point momentum uncertainty. Our approach relies on reversibly squeezing the levitated particle’s center-of-mass motion to coherently amplify the perturbation. We demonstrate an impulsive-force resolution as small as 6.9 keV/c, a value 0.6 dB below the sensor’s zero-point value.
Nanomechanical Sensor Resolving Impulsive Forces below Its Zero-Point Fluctuations
Zambon, Nicola Carlon;
2026
Abstract
The sensitivity of a mechanical transducer is ultimately limited by its inherent quantum fluctuations. Here, we use an optically levitated nanoparticle to measure impulsive forces smaller than the particle’s zero-point momentum uncertainty. Our approach relies on reversibly squeezing the levitated particle’s center-of-mass motion to coherently amplify the perturbation. We demonstrate an impulsive-force resolution as small as 6.9 keV/c, a value 0.6 dB below the sensor’s zero-point value.
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.
Pubblicazioni consigliate
I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
