Objective The chief endeavor of the project is to develop, investigate and exploit systems associating nanoscale mechanical resonators with single quantum objects. Such combinations belong in the category of so-called “hybrid nanomechanical systems” which constitutes a rapidly expanding field in modern quantum- and nanophysics.The benefit of exploring hybrid systems is manifold. From a practical point of view, due to their size, nanoresonators are extremely sensitive to external forces. If associated with a high resolution optical sensor through which the nanoresonator can be non-invasively probed and manipulated, the hybrid system holds promise to act as an ultrasensitive force probe. On a more fundamental level, unexplored quantum regimes become within reach, where the interface between quantum objects and mechanical systems can be thoroughly investigated. From a conceptual point of view, such experiments are of paramount importance as they could reveal the quantum behavior of macroscopic objects.To accommodate these ideas, I propose to develop and investigate two types of hybrid systems. The first one consists of a single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) defect hosted in a diamond nanocrystal, positioned at the extremity of a nanowire. My team and I recently demonstrated magnetic coupling of the NV spin to the resonator position and thereby evidenced the feasibility of realizing such a quantum to mechanical interface. This novel system can readily be improved to meet the severe requirements of the quantum opto-mechanical experiments envisioned in this project. The second approach also exploits a NV centre, but this time as an integrated part of a diamond resonator. This monolithic system potentially offers an unprecedented coupling, a supreme overall stability, and NV centres with improved characteristics, together expanding the scope of conceivable experiments. Fields of science engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensorsengineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materialsnanocrystals Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-SG-PE2 - ERC Starting Grant - Fundamental constituents of matter Call for proposal ERC-2012-StG_20111012 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-SG - ERC Starting Grant Host institution CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS EU contribution € 1 792 140,00 Address RUE MICHEL ANGE 3 75794 Paris France See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Christophe Muller (Prof.) Principal investigator Olivier Arcizet (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all CENTRE NATIONAL DE LA RECHERCHE SCIENTIFIQUE CNRS France EU contribution € 1 792 140,00 Address RUE MICHEL ANGE 3 75794 Paris See on map Region Ile-de-France Ile-de-France Paris Activity type Research Organisations Administrative Contact Christophe Muller (Prof.) Principal investigator Olivier Arcizet (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data
