Mechanics Physics
Fundamentals of optomechanics. Basic principles, recent developments and applications.
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Course Details

Language English
Duration 6 weeks
Effort 4-6 hours / week
Description

Optomechanics is the study of the interaction between light and mechanical systems which can result in the manipulation of the state of both light and the mechanics. The nature of this interaction makes it interesting for a wide range of applications in both fundamental physics and technological advancements.

In this course, you will learn the concepts and tools required for conducting research in the field of cavity optomechanics. The key topics include the theoretical basis for studying both mechanical and optical resonators, the new physics emerging from their interaction, and the various tools and techniques used in designing a cavity optomechanical experiment.

The course is taught by a network of experts in the field comprising 14 partners from 12 renowned universities and 2 leading industries located in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland.

What you will learn


  • Familiarize with the history, recent developments and applications of optomechanics

  • Understand the physics of mechanical and optical resonators

  • Understand the radiation pressure force and the optomechanical interaction

  • Understand the classical and quantum mechanical optomechanical phenomena

  • Learn the tools for designing an optomechanical experiment

Prerequisites


  • Graduate level electrodynamics, statistical physics and quantum mechanics

  • Familiar with the concepts of quantum optics and open quantum systems

Plan


  • Week 1: Introduction

  • Week 2: Optical and mechanical resonators

  • Week 3: Classical dynamics

  • Week 4: Quantum dynamics

  • Week 5: Quantum correlations

Course instructors

Tobias J. Kippenberg

Tobias J. Kippenberg is Full Professor of Physics at EPFL and leads the Laboratory of Photonics and Quantum Measurement. He obtained his BA at the RWTH Aachen, and MA and PhD at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech in Pasadena, USA), in 1998, 2…

École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

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