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Optomechanical stochastic resonance in a macroscopic torsion oscillator

F. Mueller, S. Heugel, and L. J. Wang
Phys. Rev. A 79, 031804(R) – Published 23 March 2009
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Abstract

Linear mechanical oscillators have been applied to measure very small forces, mostly with the help of noise suppression. In contrast, adding noise to nonlinear oscillators can improve the measurement conditions. Here, this effect of stochastic resonance is demonstrated in a macroscopic torsion oscillator, for an optomechanical nonlinear potential. The signal output is enhanced for a subthreshold electronic signal. This nonlinear oscillator serves as a model system for the enhancement of signal-to-noise ratio in high precision optomechanical experiments.

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  • Received 1 April 2008

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.79.031804

©2009 American Physical Society

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Order out of noise

Published 23 March 2009

Stochastic resonance, in which a periodic signal applied to a nonlinear system can be amplified by adding noise, has been observed in a mechanical system and predicted to occur in a Bose-Einstein condensate.

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Authors & Affiliations

F. Mueller*, S. Heugel, and L. J. Wang

  • Institute of Optics, Information and Photonics, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany

  • *Present address: Schaeffler KG, D-91074 Herzogenaurach, Germany.
  • lijun.wang@physik.uni-erlangen.de

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Issue

Vol. 79, Iss. 3 — March 2009

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