Erbium ions coupled to an optomechanical cavity

In future quantum technologies, it is essential to harness the strengths of various quantum systems while mitigating their weaknesses. Hybrid quantum platforms, such as quantum optomechanics and cavity quantum electrodynamics (cQED), are promising approaches. While both systems independently provide robust quantum platforms, their integration into a novel hybrid system enables the exploration of previously inaccessible regimes of light-matter and mechanical interactions, offering enhanced functionalities and the potential to probe new quantum phenomena. Here we create such a hybrid platform by introducing erbium ions into an optomechanics system. The optomechanics system is fabricated using silicon, featuring an optical mode at 1550 nm and a mechanical mode at 5 GHz.

We present our latest findings on coupling erbium ions to the optical resonator, leveraging the Purcell effect to enhance photon emission. Additionally, we investigate the interaction between an ensemble of erbium ions and the mechanical mode to explore complex ion-mechanics quantum states.