Speaker: Anja Metelmann, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology.
Unlocking the quantum potential of mechanical resonators hinges on achieving ground state cooling, a key milestone for quantum information processing and ultra-precise quantum measurements. In the vibrant field of cavity optomechanics, dynamical backaction cooling and feedback protocols have successfully nudged macroscopic mechanical elements toward the quantum ground state. While linear regime cooling is well-explored, recent theoretical insights suggest that a nonlinear cavity could amplify cooling efficiency. We explore this intriguing nonlinear regime, focusing on the cooling dynamics of a mechanical resonator coupled to a nonlinear cavity, embodying the characteristics of a high-Q Duffing oscillator. In this talk we present a comparative analysis between theoretical predictions and experimental results from a magnetomechanical platform. The findings unveil a captivating enhancement in cooling efficiency attributed to the Duffing nonlinearity. This breakthrough not only enriches our understanding of optomechanical interactions but also holds promise for advancing cooling strategies in quantum technologies.