Strong optomechanical interactions in a sliced photonic crystal nanobeam

Cavity optomechanical systems can be used for sensitive detection of mechanical motion and to control mechanical resonators, down to the quantum level. The strength with which optical and mechanical degrees of freedom interact is defined by the photon-phonon coupling rate $g_0$, which is especially large in nanoscale systems. Here, we demonstrate an optomechanical system based on a sliced photonic crystal nanobeam, that combines subwavelength optical confinement with a low-mass mechanical mode. Analyzing the transduction of motion and effects of radiation pressure we find a coupling rate $g_0$/2π = 11.5 MHz, exceeding previously reported values by an order of magnitude. Using this interaction we detect the resonator's motion with a noise imprecision below that at the standard quantum limit, even though the system has optical and mechanical quality factors smaller than $10^3$. The broad bandwidth is useful for application in miniature sensors, and for measurement-based control of the resonator's motional state.

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