Nanomechanical Sensor Resolving Impulsive Forces below Its Zero-Point Fluctuations

Physical Review Letters 2026

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Authors: Martynas Skrabulis, Martín F. Colombano, N. Carlon Zambon, Andrei Militaru, Massimiliano Rossi, Martin Frimmer, Lukáš Novotný
DOI: 10.1103/9wzm-3qyb
Cited by: 6
References: 53

Abstract

The sensitivity of a mechanical transducer is ultimately limited by its inherent quantum fluctuations. Here, we use an optically levitated nanoparticle to measure impulsive forces smaller than the particle's zero-point momentum uncertainty. Our approach relies on reversibly squeezing the levitated particle's center-of-mass motion to coherently amplify the perturbation. We demonstrate an impulsive-force resolution as small as 6.9 keV/c, a value 0.6 dB below the sensor's zero-point value.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Mechanical and Optical Resonators Force Microscopy Techniques and Applications Nonlocal and gradient elasticity in micro/nano structures

Publication details

Journal / source
Physical Review Letters
Publisher
American Physical Society (APS)
Volume
136
Issue
23
Pages
233604–233604
Publication date
13 May 2026
Language
EN