Abstract
We propose and analyze a new approach based on parity-time () symmetric microcavities with balanced gain and loss to enhance the performance of cavity-assisted metrology. We identify the conditions under which -symmetric microcavities allow us to improve sensitivity beyond what is achievable in loss-only systems. We discuss the application of -symmetric microcavities to the detection of mechanical motion, and show that the sensitivity is significantly enhanced near the transition point from unbroken- to broken- regimes. Our results open a new direction for -symmetric physical systems and it may find use in ultrahigh precision metrology and sensing.
- Received 10 August 2015
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.117.110802
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