Feedback cooling of a levitated nanoparticle in a radially polarized vector beam trap

Abstract:We demonstrate optical levitation and feedback cooling of a silica nanoparticle (radius = 78~nm) trapped within a radial vector beam (RVB) in high vacuum. Radial vector beams, when focused by a high-NA lens, produce a smaller focal spot than conventional Gaussian beams, yielding tighter optical potentials and potentially reduced photon-recoil heating rates. A vortex wave plate was used to generate the RVB using an aspheric lens (NA = 0.77) to form the trap. Cold-damping feedback was used to cool the center of mass motion in the radial and axial trap directions to temperatures in the mK range. At higher temperatures and pressures, additional trap frequencies arising from the nonlinear RVB optical potential are observed. This demonstration is a step toward exploiting structured light for levitated quantum optomechanics where these traps can be used to suppress bulk and motional heating.

Optics (physics.optics); Quantum Physics (quant-ph)

arXiv:2609.31068 [physics.optics]

(or arXiv:2609.31068v1 [physics.optics] for this version)

https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.2609.31068 Focus to learn more arXiv-issued DOI via DataCite (pending registration)

arXivLabs is a framework that allows collaborators to develop and share new arXiv features directly on our website.

Both individuals and organizations that work with arXivLabs have embraced and accepted our values of openness, community, excellence, and user data privacy. arXiv is committed to these values and only works with partners that adhere to them.

Have an idea for a project that will add value for arXiv's community? Learn more about arXivLabs.