Speaker:Dr. Cindy Regal

Dr. Cindy Regal

University of Colorado

Title: Interferometry in a strong light:  Making quantum states of light with moving mirrors

Abstract: Interferometry is at the heart of many precise measurements from gravitational wave searches to microscopy.  Generally, one improves precision by increasing the light intensity, as well as by calming many technical sources of noise.  However, when power levels make radiation forces significant, an interesting disturbance appears – the quantum shaking associated with random arrival of photons.  I will present an experiment in which we used a particularly compliant micro-scale mirror to observe backaction in an interferometer, and demonstrate how quantum correlations improve measurement in the presence of backaction.  We may even be able to extract more complex quantum states of light by coupling superconducting microwave circuits to our moving mirror. 

Bio:  My main research interest is engineering and exploring isolated quantum systems for quantum information and quantum optics. In particular I focus on manipulating single and few neutral atoms and the quest to control single phonons in mesoscopic mechanical oscillators. This experimental work relies upon low-loss optical interfaces and laser cooling and trapping techniques.