Quantum Backaction Evading Measurement of Collective Mechanical Modes

Phys Rev Lett. 2016 Sep 30;117(14):140401. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.140401. Epub 2016 Sep 26.

Abstract

The standard quantum limit constrains the precision of an oscillator position measurement. It arises from a balance between the imprecision and the quantum backaction of the measurement. However, a measurement of only a single quadrature of the oscillator can evade the backaction and be made with arbitrary precision. Here we demonstrate quantum backaction evading measurements of a collective quadrature of two mechanical oscillators, both coupled to a common microwave cavity. The work allows for quantum state tomography of two mechanical oscillators, and provides a foundation for macroscopic mechanical entanglement and force sensing beyond conventional quantum limits.