Resonator-enhanced quantum levitation of macroscopic systems

This project aims to develop advanced technologies to optically levitate macroscopic (millimetre-sized) objectsand nanoscopic (atomically thin) materials. Levitation platforms built by the investigatory team are based on theresonantly amplified radiation pressure of laser beams. This new type of optical levitation can provide ultimateisolation of the systems from external noise, making them extremely responsive to subtle environmental changes.These platforms could be turned into sharp instruments for measuring metrological variables of interest andprobing new physics. Quantum optical techniques could be developed to optimise the sensitivity of levitatedsystems to levels that allow the exploration of quantum and gravitational physics