Probing mechanical quantum coherence with an ultracold-atom meter

N. Lo Gullo, T. Busch, Massimo Palma, Mauro Paternostro

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

We propose a scheme to probe quantum coherence in the state of a nanocantilever based on its magnetic coupling (mediated by a magnetic tip) with a spinor Bose Einstein condensate (BEC). By mapping the BEC into a rotor, its coupling with the cantilever results in a gyroscopic motion whose properties depend on the state of the cantilever: the dynamics of one of the components of the rotor angular momentum turns out to be strictly related to the presence of quantum coherence in the state of the cantilever. We also suggest a detection scheme relying on Faraday rotation, which produces only a very small back-action on the BEC and is thus suitable for a continuous detection of the cantilever's dynamics.
Original languageEnglish
Article number063815
Pages (from-to)063815
Number of pages1
JournalPhysical Review A
Volume84
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 06 Dec 2011

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

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