Single phonon nanomechanics

Quantum dynamics of mechanical systems at nano- and microscales leads to new insights into the fundamental question about how classical physics can be unified with quantum mechanics. This FOM Programme contains both theory and experiments in the areas of mechanics, quantum optics, graphene, spin manipulation, superconducting qubits, magnetic nanostructures and ultra-low temperature physics. A research team headed up by programme leader Prof. Tjerk Oosterkamp (LEI) will tackle this project for the next five years at Leiden University and Delft University of Technology. 

Programme leader Oosterkamp is very pleased: "A golden opportunity to set to work in this combination of rapidly developing disciplines and to carry out pioneering research at full strength! In recent years, mechanical resonators have emerged as a highly promising candidate for quantum transducers between almost every pair of quantum systems. Most of the forces can easily be translated into mechanical movement and vice versa. Enormous experimental progress has been achieved due to better nanotechniques and novel materials with striking mechanical properties. That is highly promising!"