High-Quality Micro-Mirrors for Micro-Opto-Mechanical-Sensors

We will investigate and further develop tools and methods for the fabrication and readout of low-mass, high-Q, high-reflectivity micro-mirrors and exploit the relevance for applications in Micro-Opto-Mechanical-Sensors (MOMS). In particular, we will develop and improve new (simple and low-cost) fabrication methods based on laser-ablation in combination with high-finesse optical cavities for unprecedented read-out sensitivity of MOMS. One specific goal is to design and fabricate compact structures comprising cavities coupled to a mechanical sensor with simple, optical-fibre based readout. In parallel, we will assess possible strategies for commercialization. The program builds upon results obtained by previous and current basic research performed by the project investigators on opto-mechanical quantum state preparation involving micro-mechanical systems.

We will investigate and further develop tools and methods for the fabrication and readout of low-mass, high-Q, high-reflectivity micro-mirrors and exploit the relevance for applications in Micro-Opto-Mechanical-Sensors (MOMS). In particular, we will develop and improve new (simple and low-cost) fabrication methods based on laser-ablation in combination with high-finesse optical cavities for unprecedented read-out sensitivity of MOMS. One specific goal is to design and fabricate compact structures comprising cavities coupled to a mechanical sensor with simple, optical-fibre based readout. In parallel, we will assess possible strategies for commercialization. The program builds upon results obtained by previous and current basic research performed by the project investigators on opto-mechanical quantum state preparation involving micro-mechanical systems.