Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Q-Xtreme (Macroscopic Quantum Superpositions)
Período documentado: 2022-11-01 hasta 2024-04-30
Project Q-Xtreme is guided by a critical question: do the principles of quantum physics apply to macroscopic objects irrespective of their size? Addressing this issue holds theoretical interest and potential practical benefits. By delving into the fundamentals of quantum physics, we hope to broaden our knowledge of the physical world and advance technologies across several disciplines. The primary objective of Q-Xtreme is to experiment with a levitated object in a quantum superposition, where it behaves as if it were in two places at once. This extends previous tests of the quantum superposition principle to unprecedented macroscopic scales.
Historically, macroscopic quantum superpositions have been confirmed for objects as large as organic molecules, which contain thousands of atoms. With Q-Xtreme, our intention is to extend these verifications to objects that comprise billions of atoms, exceeding the current benchmarks by at least five orders of magnitude in mass. The approach involves quantum controlling the center-of-mass motion of a levitated nanoparticle in ultra-high vacuum using a combination of optical, electrical, and magnetic forces. The execution of these ambitious goals is facilitated by our synergy group, which boasts a collective expertise in photonics, nanotechnology, optoelectronics, and quantum technology.
Implications of the project are varied, offering potential insights into the relationship between quantum physics and gravity, as well as contributing to our understanding of dark matter and dark energy models. The practical applications that could stem from achieving macroscopic quantum superpositions are also noteworthy, such as improved inertial force sensing, measurements of short-range interactions, and gravitational physics.
Historically, macroscopic quantum superpositions have been confirmed for objects as large as organic molecules, which contain thousands of atoms. With Q-Xtreme, our intention is to extend these verifications to objects that comprise billions of atoms, exceeding the current benchmarks by at least five orders of magnitude in mass. The approach involves quantum controlling the center-of-mass motion of a levitated nanoparticle in ultra-high vacuum using a combination of optical, electrical, and magnetic forces. The execution of these ambitious goals is facilitated by our synergy group, which boasts a collective expertise in photonics, nanotechnology, optoelectronics, and quantum technology.
Implications of the project are varied, offering potential insights into the relationship between quantum physics and gravity, as well as contributing to our understanding of dark matter and dark energy models. The practical applications that could stem from achieving macroscopic quantum superpositions are also noteworthy, such as improved inertial force sensing, measurements of short-range interactions, and gravitational physics.
During the reported period, we made steady progress towards our primary goals. Experimentally, we achieved the ground-state cooling of a levitated nanoparticle in ultra-high vacuum, established two-dimensional ground-state cooling and linear ultrastrong coupling in an optical resonator, levitated and controlled a superconducting sphere using magnetic forces, and developed new particle trapping mechanisms. From a theoretical perspective, we generated a numerical tool for modelling nanoparticle dynamics, proposed protocols for creating non-Gaussian states, formulated a theory for the optical detection of levitated particles, and proposed methods for generating and certifying coherent expansion.
In moving forward, our immediate focus is to experimentally demonstrate the expansion of the nanoparticle's wavefunction. Our primary aim is to prepare small quantum superpositions and gradually increase the size of these superpositions to scales that are comparable to the size of the nanoparticle itself. This task will involve initial esting of the already designed protocols with particles in classical states that evolve in low noise environments. Such an approach will provide us the opportunity to accurately measure and subsequently mitigate the effects of noise.