Electrostatic actuation and sensing of mechanical oscillators in the quantum regime*

Controlling mechanical oscillators in the quantum regime has implications for quantum information processing, sensing technologies, and explorations of new fundamental physics. In the gigahertz frequency band, superconducting qubits have emerged as a powerful tool for creating and measuring non-classical states of mechanical oscillators. Experiments involving superconducting qubits and mechanical oscillators require interfaces capable of faithfully exchanging quantum states between the electrical and mechanical domains. In this talk, we describe our work in realizing such interfaces by modulating the electrostatic force via mechanical motion. Our approach relies on the geometrical design and fabrication of nanomechanical structures and the enhancement of charge fluctuations in electromagnetic resonators made from disordered superconductors. We discuss our recent progress in realizing physical implementations of hybrid quantum devices employing electrostatic transducers.