Nonlinear Radiation Pressure Dynamics in an Optomechanical Crystal.

Utilizing a silicon nanobeam optomechanical crystal, we investigate the attractor diagram arising from the radiation pressure interaction between a localized optical cavity at λ_{c}=1542  nm and a mechanical resonance at ω_{m}/2π=3.72  GHz. At a temperature of T_{b}≈10  K, highly nonlinear driving of mechanical motion is observed via continuous wave optical pumping.

Quantum many-body dynamics in optomechanical arrays.

We study the nonlinear driven dissipative quantum dynamics of an array of optomechanical systems. At each site of such an array, a localized mechanical mode interacts with a laser-driven cavity mode via radiation pressure, and both photons and phonons can hop between neighboring sites. The competition between coherent interaction and dissipation gives rise to a rich phase diagram characterizing the optical and mechanical many-body states.

Enhanced quantum nonlinearities in a two-mode optomechanical system.

In cavity optomechanics, nanomechanical motion couples to a localized optical mode. The regime of single-photon strong coupling is reached when the optical shift induced by a single phonon becomes comparable to the cavity linewidth. We consider a setup in this regime comprising two optical modes and one mechanical mode.

Collective dynamics in optomechanical arrays.

Optomechanical systems couple light stored inside an optical cavity to the motion of a mechanical mode. Recent experiments have demonstrated setups, such as photonic crystal structures, that in principle allow one to confine several optical and vibrational modes on a single chip. Here we start to investigate the collective nonlinear dynamics in arrays of coupled optomechanical cells.

Self-induced oscillations in an optomechanical system driven by bolometric backaction.

We have explored the nonlinear dynamics of an optomechanical system consisting of an illuminated Fabry-Perot cavity, one of whose end mirrors is attached to a vibrating cantilever. The backaction induced by the bolometric light force produces negative damping such that the system enters a regime of nonlinear oscillations. We study the ensuing attractor diagram describing the nonlinear dynamics.