Levitated optomechanics is showing potential for precise force measurements. Here, we report a case study to show experimentally the capacity of such sensor, using an electric field as tool detect Coulomb applied onto levitated nanosphere. We observe spatial displacement up 6.6 nm nanosphere by imposing DC field. further apply AC and demonstrate resonant enhancement sensing when driving frequency, ωAC, frequency mechanical oscillator, ω0, converge. directly measure 3.0 ± 1.5 × 10–20 N with...

We demonstrate a simple and robust geometry for optical trapping in vacuum of single nanoparticle based on parabolic mirror the gradient force, we rapid parametric feedback cooling all three motional degrees freedom from room temperature to few mK. A laser at 1550nm, photodiode, are used trapping, position detection, dimensions. Particles with diameters 26nm 160nm trapped without 10$^{-5}$mbar engaged pressure is reduced 10$^{-6}$mbar. Modifications harmonic motion presence noise studied, an...

We experimentally squeeze the thermal motional state of an optically levitated nanosphere by fast switching between two trapping frequencies. The measured phase-space distribution center mass our particle shows typical shape a squeezed state, from which we infer up to 2.7 dB squeezing along one direction. In these experiments average occupancy is high and, even after squeezing, remains in remit classical statistical mechanics. Nevertheless, argue that manipulation scheme described here could...

We investigate experimentally the dynamics of a nonspherical levitated nanoparticle in vacuum. In addition to translation and rotation motion, we observe light torque-induced precession nutation trapped particle. provide theoretical model, which numerically simulate from derive approximate expressions for motional frequencies. Both simulation find good agreement with experiments. measure torque 1.9±0.5×10^{-23} N m at 1×10^{-1} mbar, an estimated sensitivity 3.6±1.1×10^{-31} m/sqrt[Hz]...

Collapse models, proposed to explain the absence of quantum superpositions at macroscopic scales, generically predict existence random forces on a massive object. Here, detection levitated particle motion is explored though three different approaches based an optical cavity, tweezer, and electrical readout exploiting SQUID. These are analyzed compared, advantages, drawbacks, technical challenges assessed.

We present a method for producing laser beams of nonuniform polarization where the direction rotates on trajectory about beam propagation direction. Our uses Sagnac interferometer that incorporates spatial light modulator to combine possess oppositely charged phase vortices in order achieve desired vortex. demonstrate utility our by characterized fractional index, and we compare results with calculations expected fields.

We report on optical levitation experiments to probe the interaction of a nanoparticle with surface in vacuum. The observed interaction-induced effect is controllable anharmonicity particle trapping potential. reconstruct Coulomb image charge potential be perfect agreement experimental data for carrying $Q=\ensuremath{-}(11\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}1)e$ elementary charges and compare measured electrostatic weaker dispersive forces from theory. Our results may open route new sensitive...

Carnot famously showed that engine operation is chiefly characterised by the magnitude of temperature ratio $T_\mathrm{h}/T_\mathrm{c}$ between its hot and cold reservoirs. While ratios ranging $1.3-2.8$ $2-10$ are common in macroscopic commercial engines operating microscopic regime, respectively, quest to test thermodynamics at extremes. Here we present hottest on earth, with as high $110$. We achieve this realising an underdamped single-particle using a charged microparticle electrically...

We discuss a general method of model selection from experimentally recorded time-trace data. This can be used to distinguish between quantum and classical dynamical models. It in postselection as well for real-time analysis, offers an alternative statistical tests based on state-reconstruction methods. examine the conditions that optimize hypothesis testing, maximizing one's ability discriminate set upper limits temperature lower measurement efficiencies required explore these differences,...

We demonstrate the reconstruction of Wigner function from marginal distributions motion a single trapped particle using homodyne detection. show that it is possible to generate quantum states levitated optomechanical systems even under effect continuous measurement by trapping laser light. describe opto-mechanical coupling for case free-space focused beam, explicitly without an optical cavity. use scheme reconstruct experimental data in perfect agreement with expected Gaussian distribution...

Event-based imaging is a neuromorphic detection technique whereby an array of pixels detects positive or negative change in light intensity at each pixel and is, hence, particularly well suited to detect motion. Compared standard camera technology, event-based reduces redundancy by not detecting regions the image where there no motion, allowing increased frame-rates without compromising on field-of-view. Here, we apply motion microparticle levitated under vacuum conditions, which greatly...

The traditional view from particle physics is that quantum gravity effects should only become detectable at extremely high energies and small length scales. Due to the significant technological challenges involved, there has been limited progress in identifying experimentally can be accessed foreseeable future. However, recent decades, size mass of systems controlled laboratory have reached unprecedented scales, enabled by advances ground-state cooling quantum-control techniques....

We discuss the detection of an anisotropic particle trapped by elliptically polarized focused Gaussian laser beam. obtain full rotational and translational dynamics, as well as, measured photo-current in a general-dyne detection. As example, we toy model homodyne detection, which captures main features typically found experimental setups.

We demonstrate a classical analogy to the Fano anti-resonance in levitated optomechanics by applying DC electric field. Specifically, we experimentally tune parameter voltage from 0 kV 10 on nearby charged needle tip. find consistent results across negative and positive voltages, with line-shape feature able exist at both higher lower frequencies than fundamental oscillator frequency. can use characterize our system be sensitive static interactions which are ever-present. Currently,...

Micro-objects levitated in a vacuum are an exciting platform for precision sensing due to their low dissipation motion and the potential control at quantum level. Arrays of such sensors would allow noise cancellation, directionality, increased sensitivity regime exploit correlation entanglement. We use neuromorphic detection via single event-based camera record array microspheres. present first truly scalable method multiparticle by implementing real-time feedback cool three objects simultaneously.

Following advances in levitated optomechanics, we explore electromechanics (LE) as a novel alternative method for trapping and controlling micro- nanoparticles. LE provides an opportunity to circumvent the limitations of traditional optical tweezers, allowing robust particles with wide range sizes compositions, from metals biological material. This platform also offers clear route miniaturization, force sensing signal processing. We present theory LE, latest experimental efforts realising...