BARKER1	Cavity optomechanics with optically trapped particles
Type	Experimental
# students	This project could be for one of two people.
Orientation	Why is the scientific problem of interest at all? The field of optomechanics, in particular the cooling of small mechanical oscillators, is currently one of the most exciting and rapidly growing areas of physics. An important question is whether one can not only reach, but also operate these devices in the quantum regime. In addition to the fundamental interest, there are promising possibilities for highly sensitive measurements of weak forces at the quantum limit. It will also have applications for generating entanglement between the light field and the mechanical modes.
How	We are currently exploring optical cooling of microscale and nanoscale polarisable particles. This experimental project will explore the cooling of microscale particles using the optical whispering gallery modes that exist in silica spheres
What	It will involve the loading of an optical trap with a single microspheres followed by characterisation of the whispering gallery modes of the trapped sphere. The final aim will be to observe the cooling of the motion of the sphere in the optical trap. This project will involve working with lasers, optics and vacuum equipment.
Special Knowledge
Supervisor:	Prof. Peter Barker p.barker@ucl.ac.uk