This course (1st in a two-module series) will introduce the field of cavity optomechanics. Early lessons will review mechanical resonators, optical cavities, and their coupling via radiation pressure. Detailed treatment will then be given to the canonical optomechanical system, a Fabry-Pérot cavity with a compliant end-mirror, leading to the concepts of radiation pressure dynamical back-action (optical stiffening and damping), stochastic back-action (radiation pressure shot noise), and the standard quantum limit for a continuous position measurement.
Instructor(s)
- dalziel