Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

We are requesting a state-of-the-art apparatus that will enable optical measurements of nanomechanical objects in extreme environments: high vacuum, low temperatures and high magnetic fields. This combination of controllable parameters is vital to our exploration of nanoscale phenomena and will enable us to study quantum mechanics in new ways. One of our goals is to explore the crossover from quantum to classical mechanics in nanomechanical resonators. Although nanomechanical resonators might sound small, in this case these resonators have roughly ten million times as many constituent atoms as the largest objects to have previously shown quantum properties. Another goal of our research is to find new physics in nanoscale superconductors that result from their size and geometry. To accomplish these goals we have developed nanomechanical devices to which we incorporate minuscule amounts of metals and superconductors. Our nanomechanical devices can sensitively reveal the properties of these tiny metals and superconductors with fantastic sensitivity because of the remarkable advantages of nanotechnology. This research will lead us to new physics and new scientific understanding. Without this apparatus we would not be able to pursue such exciting science.