This PhD project focuses on the fabrication and experimental demonstration of a mechanical oscillator whose motion is limited by the quantum radiation-pressure noise from a laser beam. The oscillator will consist of an ultra-light mirror, with a mass of approximately 100 mg, suspended as a microscopic pendulum by two fused-silica fibers thinner than a human hair.
The mirror will be integrated into a suspended optical cavity designed to enhance the quantum fluctuations of the laser field. The motion of the mirror will be measured with high precision using dedicated techniques. After demonstrating quantum-noise-limited motion, the system will serve as a platform to demonstrate novel methods for surpassing quantum noise limits in optical measurements. The PhD candidate will play an active role in the fabrication of the suspended mirror using the Artemis laboratory’s dedicated facilities.

This work i...