Coherent Laser Levitation for Precision Sensing and Enabling Science

当光与物质碰撞时，可能会产生一种叫做辐射压的力。这个项目的目的是利用辐射压力悬浮一个小镜子。使用激光束的三脚架，可以使反射镜悬浮并将其捕获在稳定的位置。辐射压力以前曾被用于悬浮，但以前的工作总是涉及悬浮物体的散射光。该项目建议使用高质量的反射镜，允许收集反射光，并在反射镜漂浮在激光束上时精确测量和控制反射镜的位置。利用浮动镜的独特性质，将有可能搜索量子引力的特征并开发超精密计量工具。

When light collides with matter, it may exert a force called radiation pressure. This project aims to use radiation pressure to levitate a small mirror. Using a tripod of laser beams, it is possible to levitate and trap the mirror in a stable position. Radiation pressure has been used before to levitate, but previous work has always involved scattering light from the levitating object. This project proposes the use of a high quality mirror, allowing the collection of the reflected light and the accurate measurement and control of the position of the mirror as it floats on the laser beams. Using the unique properties of the floating mirror, it will be possible to search for signatures of quantum gravity and develop tools for ultra-precision metrology.