Two dimensional optomechanical crystal designs for microwave-optical transduction*

Conversion between microwave and optical frequencies via transduction with optomechanical devices is a topic of significant current interest, particularly for applications in quantum communication [1-3]. This process requires cooling the microwave-frequency mechanical resonator to the ground state, typically at mK temperatures. One dimensional optomechanical crystals have been operated in the quantum limit [4], but are limited by laser heating. Two dimensional structures may afford better thermal performance with only a minor reduction in optomechanical coupling strength. In this talk I will discuss ongoing efforts towards a two dimensional optomechanical crystal and cavity design, whilst using piezoelectric materials to convert microwave electrical signals to mechanical motion.

[1] M. Aspelmeyer, T. J. Kippenberg, and F. Marquardt. Rev. Mod. Phys. 86 (2014) 1391-1452.
[2] J. Bochmann, et. al. Nature Physics 9 (2013) 712.
[3] A. Vainsencher, et. al. Appl. Phys. Lett. 109 3 (2016) 033107.
[4] R. Riedinger, et. al. Nature 530 (2009) 313-316.