Cavity optomechanics has recently gained a lot of interest from the quantum physics, quantum optics, and quantum information sciences sectors. It is due to the importance of cavity optomechanics in studying fundamental quantum mechanics problems and quantum precision measurements. Quantum simulation, as a cutting-edge approach, could be a valuable tool for investigating optomechanical interactions in the single-photon strong-coupling regime.
Researchers modeled a mixed optomechanical coupling in a connected two-mode system with the cross-Kerr interaction linking the two modes. They achieved adjustable and ultrastrong mixed-optomechanical interactions by introducing both single- and two-excitation drivings to one of the two modes.
Under ideal quantum simulation conditions, the first-order (quadratic) optomechanical coupling strength might be greater than the mechanical-like mode’s effective frequency. As a result, the single-photon strong coupling and ultrastrong-coupling regimes can be reached using this effective mixed optomechanical model. Using ultrastrong mixed-optomechanical couplings, the researchers investigated how to construct Schrödinger cat states in the mechanical-like mode. They also calculated the Wigner functions of the produced states to look into the quantum coherence phenomenon. This research will pave the way for the observation and use of ultrastrong optomechanical effects in quantum simulators.
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