Theoretical framework for thin film superfluid optomechanics: towards the quantum regime

Abstract

Excitations in superfluid helium represent attractive mechanical degrees of freedom for cavity optomechanics schemes. Here we numerically and analytically investigate the properties of optomechanical resonators formed by thin films of superfluid ^4 He covering micrometer-scale whispering gallery mode cavities. We predict that through proper optimization of the interaction between film and optical field, large optomechanical coupling rates ${g}_{0}\gt 2\pi \times 100\,\mathrm{kHz}$ and single photon cooperativities ${C}_{0}\gt 10$ are achievable. Our analytical model reveals the unconventional behaviour of these thin films, such as thicker and heavier films exhibiting smaller effective mass and larger zero point motion. The optomechanical system outlined here provides access to unusual regimes such as ${g}_{0}\gt {{\rm{\Omega }}}_{M}$ and opens the prospect of laser cooling a liquid into its quantum ground state.

Keywords

• cavity optomechanics
• superfluidity
• superfluid helium films
• optical resonators
• third sound
• effective mass