On-chip optomechanics experiments for quantum information processing

Quantum physics has been at the heart of the modern technological revolution and over the past decades ever more physical systems have been used in quantum experiments. One of the only missing entries in the zoo of quantum systems are mechanical oscillations, or phonons, which have only recently sparked renewed attention from the optomechanics community. Here photons are coupled to phonons through the radiation-pressure force, with the goal of creating macroscopic quantum states of mechanical oscillators. Despite simple proof-of-concept quantum experiments with such systems, full quantum control over phonons remains an elusive goal. In this proposal I want to use new concepts like optomechanical wavelength conversion, on-chip phonon routing, filtering, delaying and single-phonon detection to achieve full quantum control over individual phonons. This will open up completely new possibilities for quantum information processing and allow observing novel phenomena like topological phases in optomechanical systems. The research will not only have lasting impact on optomechanics and quantum physics, but will also pave the way for new technologies. My expertise in quantum optics, optomechanics and simulation and fabrication of photonic- / phononic crystals, in combination with the stimulating atmosphere and excellent research environment at the TU Delft, puts me in a unique position to realize this proposal.