Physics
A Parametric Oscillator for Phonons
Marric Stephens
Abstract
ptical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are indispensable in quantum optics, generating entangled photons for quantum communication and creating "squeezed" photon states for precision sensing (see Focus: Squeezing More from Gravitational-Wave Detectors).Now, researchers have demonstrated a device that does the same with phonons [1].As well as paving the way for producing entangled phonon pairs and squeezed phonon states, the new optomechanical parametric oscillator could be used for superresolution microscopy and for high-frequency modulation of light sources.