Macroscopic quantum mechanics through laser-induced nonlinearity

Project funded by Carlsberg Foundation (Internationalisation Fellowships), grant CF24-0491. Participating organisations named by the source: AMOLF, Netherlands. Runs n/a to 2026-09-29. Source: OpenAIRE Graph, from the funder's project data (collected by OpenAIRE on 2025-09-09); national funding data, not CORDIS. Abstract given by the source: What? This project will investigate a new method to manipulate tiny vibrations in large objects, such that they exhibit the strange behavior of quantum mechanics that is normally only seen in single atoms and molecules. To this end, we use the forces that laser light exerts on vibrating silicon strings on a chip. Why? Observing and understanding quantum mechanics in macroscopic systems is vital for technology and fundamental science. It could lead to revolutionary advancements in quantum information technology and deepen our understanding of the universe by exploring the connection between quantum mechanics and gravity. How? By employing advanced laser techniques and ultraprecise measurements at temperatures near absolute zero, the project aims to control nanoscale vibrations. Using optical forces of laser pulses, we will be amplifying quantum fluctuations of a mechanical string resonator to observe and manipulate them.

Original source.

Source: OpenAIRE Graph: projects of national funders, OpenAIRE, from the project data of Carlsberg Foundation. Retrieved 2026-11-02. Licence: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (OpenAIRE Graph). Selected metadata, adapted presentation; the publisher's record is authoritative. No endorsement by the source is implied. Licence: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 (CC BY 4.0).

AI-assisted summary: The project, funded by the Carlsberg Foundation, aims to manipulate vibrations in large objects to exhibit quantum behavior using laser forces on silicon strings. It runs until September 29, 2026, and seeks to advance quantum information technology and understanding of quantum mechanics. Suggested technology pillar: enabling. Generated by AI from the public source text; it may contain errors and the original source is authoritative.