Superfluid optomechanics with quantized vortices (2018–2019)
Abstract:
This project aims to develop new technologies to probe and control the flow of superfluid helium at size-scales
never before possible. Superfluid helium is the only quantum liquid, characterised by flow without dissipation and
quantized vortices. Leveraging the techniques of cavity optomechanics, this project aims to demonstrate control of
its properties at the quantum level, including the first demonstration of laser-cooling of a liquid into its quantum
ground-state. The devices developed in this project will also serve as probes of unprecedented sensitivity for the
study of 2D superfluid helium, deepening our fundamental understanding of the mechanisms of superfluidity.