Optomechanics in the microwave regime for quantum technologies and fundamental sciences

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Over the last two decades, quantum sciences and technologies have made incredible progress, evolving from fundamental studies in quantum physics to a cross-disciplinary research field. While historic experiments used single electrons or atoms/ions to demonstrate remarkable effects (e.g. particle-wave duality, entanglement), now a lot of efforts are focused on controlling the quantum properties of systems with increasing complexity. This approach is not only promising to further our understanding of quantum mechanics, but also enables the use of quantum states for technological applications such as sensing or the realisation of quantum networks. In this context, mechanical systems are particularly promising as they can be precisely engineered and provide an excellent interface between different electromagnetic modes. For quantum information processing, where information cannot be copied, this approach thus constitutes a promising candidate to transfer information between visible and microwave wavelengths through a mechanical mode. This operation, called quantum transduction, constitute a key technological element to realise networks capable of handling quantum information. Nevertheless, the interaction strengths between the three modes - microwave, visible and mechanical - are still too weak to process information contained in single photons. With this research we aim to push further the control of complex hybrid opto-electromechanical systems. To improve the electromechanical coupling (between microwave and mechanics), we recently demonstrated a novel approach where the mechanics modulates the inductance of the circuit, providing an improvement of more than an order of magnitude compared to capacitive coupling. Capitalising on the versatility of our approach, we will pursue two main objectives: (i) transducers and (ii) sensors. (i), we will develop quantum transducers based on inductive electromechanics, aiming to reach high single-photon efficiencies. This will enable the transfer of quantum information between distant quantum processors, a promising approach to improve the performances of quantum computer via distributed computing. (ii), we will also work on the use of electromechanical systems for inertial/acceleration sensing. Indeed, by achieving larger couplings information can be extracted faster while reducing the back-action induced by the measure. This approach is particularly promising to realise mechanical sensors operating at the fundamental limits allowed by the laws of quantum mechanics, providing a clear advantage over classical systems. Overall, with this Discovery program we aim to develop key technologies for quantum information processing as well as sensing, generating opportunities for the creation of Canadian start-up companies in a growing sector. Furthermore, the study of complex hybrid systems will also lead to interesting discoveries where quantum mechanics strongly influence the dynamics of mesoscopic objects.