Generating non-classical states of light by opto-mechanical coupling depends critically on the mechanical and optical properties of micro-oscillators and on the minimization of thermal noise. We present an oscillating micro-mirror with a mechanical quality factor Q = 2.6x10^6 at cryogenic temperature and a Finesse of 65000, obtained thanks to an innovative approach to the design and the control of mechanical dissipation. Already at 4 K with an input laser power of 2 mW, the radiation-pressure quantum fluctuations become the main noise source, overcoming thermal noise. This feature makes our devices particularly suitable for the production of pondero-motive squeezing.
@article{arxiv.1208.6161,
title = {An ultra-low dissipation micro-oscillator for quantum opto-mechanics},
author = {E. Serra and A. Borrielli and F. S. Cataliotti and F. Marin and F. Marino and A. Pontin and G. A. Prodi and M. Bonaldi},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1208.6161},
year = {2012}
}