title: Quantum Nondemolition Measurement of a Nonclassical State of a Massive Object.
abstract: By coupling a macroscopic mechanical oscillator to two microwave cavities, we simultaneously prepare and monitor a nonclassical steady state of mechanical motion. In each cavity, correlated radiation pressure forces induced by two coherent drives engineer the coupling between the quadratures of light and motion. We, first, demonstrate the ability to perform a continuous quantum nondemolition measurement of a single mechanical quadrature at a rate that exceeds the mechanical decoherence rate, while avoiding measurement backaction by more than 13 dB. Second, we apply this measurement technique to independently verify the preparation of a squeezed state in the mechanical oscillator, resolving quadrature fluctuations 20% below the quantum noise.
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Lecocq
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA.
authors.forename: R W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Simmonds
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aumentado
authors.affiliation: National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305, USA.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Teufel
keywords: Quantum Information; Quantum Physics