Examples of Quantum Dynamics in Optomechanical Systems

Optomechanical systems exploit the interaction between the optical radiation field and mechanical resonators in a laser-driven cavity. In the past few years, these systems have been the focus of considerable experimental and theoretical attention, yielding promising successes, particularly in using optomechanical cooling to reduce the thermal occupation of the resonators. This offers the prospect of observing quantum dynamics involving the motion of macroscopic mechanical objects. We review two features: First, the nonlinear self-induced mechanical oscillations induced by a strong laser drive can exhibit interesting quantum behaviour at low temperatures. Second, a mechanically driven membrane inside an optical cavity can ’shuttle photons’ around, and this system exhibits intricate dynamical interference effects (Landau-Zener-Stueckelberg oscillations).