Creating atom-nanoparticle quantum superpositions

Toros, M. , Bose, S. and Parker, B.F. (2021) Creating atom-nanoparticle quantum superpositions. Physical Review Research, 3, 033218. (doi: 10.1103/PhysRevResearch.3.033218)

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Abstract

A nanoscale object evidenced in a nonclassical state of its center of mass will hugely extend the boundaries of quantum mechanics. To obtain a practical scheme for the same, we exploit a hitherto unexplored coupled system: an atom and a nanoparticle coupled by an optical field. We show how to control the center of mass of a large ∼ 500 -nm nanoparticle using the internal state of the atom so as to create, as well as detect, nonclassical motional states of the nanoparticle. Specifically, we consider a setup based on a silica nanoparticle coupled to a cesium atom and discuss a protocol for preparing and verifying a Schrödinger-cat state of the nanoparticle that does not require cooling to the motional ground state. We show that the existence of the superposition can be revealed using the Earth's gravitational field using a method that is insensitive to the most common sources of decoherence and works for any initial state of the nanoparticle.

Item Type:Articles
Additional Information:We acknowledge support from EPSRC Grant No. EP/N031105/1. M.T. acknowledges funding by the Leverhulme Trust (RPG-2020-197).
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Toros, Dr Marko
Authors: Toros, M., Bose, S., and Parker, B.F.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Physics and Astronomy
Journal Name:Physical Review Research
Publisher:American Physical Society
ISSN:2643-1564
ISSN (Online):2643-1564
Copyright Holders:Copyright 2021 The Authors
First Published:First published in Physical Review Research 3:033218
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons licence

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Project CodeAward NoProject NamePrincipal InvestigatorFunder's NameFunder RefLead Dept
308508Quantum Mechanics in a Rotating WorldMiles PadgettLeverhulme Trust (LEVERHUL)RPG-2020-197P&S - Physics & Astronomy