SuperMeQ - Exploring nonclassical states of center-of-mass mechanical motion with superconducting magneto- and levitomechanics

Project description and objective

SuperMeQ addresses three basic science goals in quantum technologies, targeting to gain new insights into quantum control over the center-of-mass motion of mechanical resonators: The project will (i) push to the limits of decoherence mechanisms of massive objects, (ii) maximize the vacuum coupling of the center-of-mass motion of a mechanical resonator to a quantum system, and (iii) generate useful nonclassical states such as squeezed states or states with a negative Wigner function, which have direct relevance for quantum-enhanced force and inertial sensing. The project follows a unique approach by realizing two complementary experimental platforms that are tailored to its goals and that are mutually beneficial through parallel development: (a) magnetically levitated superconducting microparticles that access a mass regime spanning more than seven orders of magnitude between picogram and sub-milligram masses, and that are expected to exhibit ultra-low mechanical decoherence, and (b) integrated clamped magnetic or superconducting mechanical resonators that are expected to reach strong vacuum coupling rates, two orders of magnitude larger than the state-of-the-art. Key in each of these approaches is that the project will couple both types of mechanical resonator inductively to superconducting quantum circuits, which allow for full quantum control over the center-of-mass degree of freedom of the mechanical resonators. The project results will lead to a breakthrough in the development and growth of novel quantum sensing technologies and give new insights into foundational aspects of quantum physics.