Detecting and coupling quantum objects with quantum light

An assortment of quantum technologies are being developed, for purposes such as precise sensing, quantum information processing, and quantum simulation of complex systems, in which light is used to cause quantum objects to interact and to allow their properties to be measured. By combining techniques of ultracold atomic physics and quantum optics, we have developed a system in which both mechanical oscillators and also spin oscillators, both comprised of small batches of atoms trapped in vacuum, interact with the electromagnetic modes of a high-finesse optical cavity. This system has allows us to explore optomechanical and magneto-optical interactions at distinctly quantum mechanical regimes. I will highlight three major results from our work: the first demonstration of a force sensor operating at the standard quantum limit, the observation of coherent and incoherent backaction effects on spin oscillators coupled to an optical cavity, and an exploration of light-mediated interactions between two near-ground-state mechanical oscillators. ​