We describe the construction and characterisation of a nano-oscillator formed by a Paul trap. The frequency and temperature stability of the nano-oscillator was measured over several days allowing us to identify the major sources of trap and environmental fluctuations. We measure an overall frequency stability of 2 ppm/hr and a temperature stability of more than 5 hours via the Allan deviation. Importantly, we find that the charge on the nanoscillator is stable over a timescale of at least two weeks and that the mass of the oscillator, can be measured with a 3 % uncertainty. This allows us to distinguish between the trapping of a single nanosphere and a nano-dumbbell formed by a cluster of two nanospheres.
Under conditions where the angular momentum of a ferromagnetic particle is dominated by intrinsic spin, applied torque is predicted to cause gyroscopic precession of the particle. If the particle is sufficiently isolated from the environment, a measurement of spin precession can potentially yield sensitivity to torque beyond the standard quantum limit. Levitation of a micron-scale ferromagnetic particle above a superconductor is a possible method of near frictionless suspension enabling observation of ferromagnetic particle precession and ultrasensitive torque measurements. We experimentally investigate the dynamics of a micron-scale ferromagnetic particle levitated above a superconducting niobium surface. We find that the levitating particles are trapped in potential minima associated with residual magnetic flux pinned by the superconductor and, using an optical technique, characterize the quasiperiodic motion of the particles in these traps.
We show how the interference between spatially separated states of the center of mass (COM) of a mesoscopic harmonic oscillator can be evidenced by coupling it to a spin and performing solely spin manipulations and measurements (Ramsey Interferometry). We propose to use an optically levitated diamond bead containing an NV center spin. The nano-scale size of the bead makes the motional decoherence due to levitation negligible. The form of the spin-motion coupling ensures that the scheme works for thermal states so that moderate feedback cooling suffices. No separate control or observation of the COM state is required and thereby one dispenses with cavities, spatially resolved detection and low mass-dispersion ensembles. The controllable relative phase in the Ramsey interferometry stems from a gravitational potential difference so that it uniquely evidences coherence between states which involve the whole nano-crystal being in spatially distinct locations.
In this comment, we agree with the formulas derived in Refs. [1,2] but show that the results are not due to interference between spatially separated states of the center of mass of a mesoscopic harmonic oscillator.
Levitated nano-oscillators are seen as promising platforms for testing fundamental physics and testing quantum mechanics in a new high mass regime. Levitation allows extreme isolation from the environment, reducing the decoherence processes that are crucial for these sensitive experiments. A fundamental property of any oscillator is its line width and mechanical quality factor, Q. Narrow line widths in the microHertz regime and mechanical Qs as high as $10^{12}$ have been predicted for levitated systems, but to date, the poor stability of these oscillators over long periods have prevented direct measurement in high vacuum. Here we report on the measurement of an ultra-narrow line width levitated nano-oscillator, whose line width of $81pm,23,mu$Hz is only limited by residual gas pressure at high vacuum. This narrow line width allows us to put new experimental bounds on dissipative models of wavefunction collapse including continuous spontaneous localisation and Di{o}si-Penrose and illustrates its utility for future precision experiments that aim to test the macroscopic limits of quantum mechanics.
Spin Hall nano-oscillators (SHNOs) are emerging spintronic devices for microwave signal generation and oscillator based neuromorphic computing combining nano-scale footprint, fast and ultra-wide microwave frequency tunability, CMOS compatibility, and strong non-linear properties providing robust large-scale mutual synchronization in chains and two-dimensional arrays. While SHNOs can be tuned via magnetic fields and the drive current, neither approach is conducive for individual SHNO control in large arrays. Here, we demonstrate electrically gated W/CoFeB/MgO nano-constrictions in which the voltage-dependent perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, tunes the frequency and, thanks to nano-constriction geometry, drastically modifies the spin-wave localization in the constriction region resulting in a giant 42 % variation of the effective damping over four volts. As a consequence, the SHNO threshold current can be strongly tuned. Our demonstration adds key functionality to nano-constriction SHNOs and paves the way for energy-efficient control of individual oscillators in SHNO chains and arrays for neuromorphic computing.