Abstract

Recent experiments have confirmed the validity of quantum theory for macroscopic mechanical systems with masses up to several picograms [1,2]. The experimental investigation of macroscopic decoherence mechanisms or possible modifications of quantum mechanics would however strongly benefit from using even larger quantum objects [3]. We have designed an optomechanical system whose effective mass is close to the Planck mass. We expect to cool a mechanical mode at 4 MHz to near its ground state with less than 1 mW of incident laser power to enable quantum optics experiments. The large mass in our system, which is counter-beneficial for the optomechanical coupling strength, is compensated for by the high quality factor of the mechanical oscillator, large optomechanical coupling rates reached through using a high-finesse Fabry-Perot cavity and by a low thermal noise dilution-refrigerator environment.

© 2013 IEEE