Toward Quantum-Limited Position Measurements Using Optically Levitated Microspheres

摘要

We describe the use of optically levitated microspheres as test masses inexperiments aimed at reaching and potentially exceeding the standard quantumlimit for position measurements. Optically levitated microspheres have low massand are essentially free of suspension thermal noise, making them well suitedfor reaching the quantum regime. Table-top experiments using microspheres canbridge the gap between quantum-limited position measurements of single atomsand measurements with multi-kg test masses like those being used ininterferometric gravitational wave detectors.