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Register a new userSensing of Static Forces with Free-Falling Nanoparticles
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Miniaturized mechanical resonators have proven to be excellent force sensors. However, they usually rely on resonant sensing schemes, and their excellent performance cannot be utilized for the detection of static forces. Here, we report on a novel static-force sensing scheme and demonstrate it using optically levitated nanoparticles in vacuum. Our technique relies on an off-resonant interaction of the particle with a weak static force, and a resonant read-out of the displacement caused by this interaction. We demonstrate a force sensitivity of $10,mathrm{aN}$ to static gravitational and electric forces acting on the particle. Our work not only provides a tool for the closer investigation of short-range forces, but also marks an important step towards the realization of matter-wave interferometry with macroscopic objects.
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Using weak values amplification angular resolution limits, we theoretically investigate the gravitational sensing of objects. By inserting a force-sensing pendulum into a weak values interferometer, the optical response can sense accelerations to a few 10s of $mathrm{zepto}text{-}mathrm{g}/sqrt{mathrm{Hz}}$, with optical powers of $1~mathrm{mW}$. We convert this precision into range and mass sensitivity, focusing in detail on simple and torsion pendula. Various noise sources present are discussed, as well as the necessary cooling that should be applied to reach the desired levels of precision.
The measurement of extremely small displacements is of utmost importance, both for fundamental studies [1-4], and practical applications [5-7]. One way to estimate a small displacement is to measure the Doppler shift generated in light reflected off an object moving with a known periodic frequency. This remote sensing technique converts a displacement measurement into a frequency measurement, and has been considerably successful [8-14]. The displacement sensitivity of this technique is limited by the Doppler frequency noise floor and by the velocity of the moving object. Other primary limitations are hours of integration time [12,13] and optimal operation only in a narrow Doppler frequency range. Here we show a sensitive device capable of measuring $mu$Hz/$sqrt{text{Hz}}$ Doppler frequency shifts corresponding to tens of fm displacements for a mirror oscillating at 2 Hz. While the Doppler shift measured is comparable to other techniques [12.13], the position sensitivity is orders of magnitude better, and operates over several orders of magnitude of Doppler frequency range. In addition, unlike other techniques which often rely on interferometric methods, our device is phase insensitive, making it unusually robust to noise.
The LISA Pathfinder charge management device was responsible for neutralising the cosmic ray induced electric charge that inevitably accumulated on the free-falling test masses at the heart of the experiment. We present measurements made on ground and in-flight that quantify the performance of this contactless discharge system which was based on photo-emission under UV illumination. In addition, a two-part simulation is described that was developed alongside the hardware. Modelling of the absorbed UV light within the Pathfinder sensor was carried out with the GEANT4 software toolkit and a separate MATLAB charge transfer model calculated the net photocurrent between the test masses and surrounding housing in the presence of AC and DC electric fields. We confront the results of these models with observations and draw conclusions for the design of discharge systems for future experiments like LISA that will also employ free-falling test masses.
Interferometric position detection of levitated particles is crucial for the centre-of-mass (CM) motion cooling and manipulation of levitated particles. In combination with balanced detection and feedback cooling, this system has provided picometer scale position sensitivity, zeptonewton force detection, and sub-millikelvin CM temperatures. In this article, we develop an analytical model of this detection system and compare its performance with experimental results allowing us to explain the presence of spurious frequencies in the spectra.
Beam alignment is an important practical aspect of the application of squeezed states of light. Misalignments in the detection of squeezed light result in a reduction of the observable squeezing level. In the case of squeezed vacuum fields that contain only very few photons, special measures must be taken in order to sense and control the alignment of the essentially dark beam. The GEO600 gravitational wave detector employs a squeezed vacuum source to improve its detection sensitivity beyond the limits set by classical quantum shot noise. Here, we present our design and implementation of an alignment sensing and control scheme that ensures continuous optimal alignment of the squeezed vacuum field at GEO 600 on long time scales in the presence of free-swinging optics. This first demonstration of a squeezed light automatic alignment system will be of particular interest for future long-term applications of squeezed vacuum states of light.
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