Quantum Nondemolition Measurements of Harmonic Oscillators

Kip S. Thorne, Ronald W. P. Drever, Carlton M. Caves, Mark Zimmermann, and Vernon D. Sandberg
Phys. Rev. Lett. 40, 667 – Published 13 March 1978
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Abstract

The complex amplitude X1+iX2(x+ipmω)eiωt of a harmonic oscillator is constant in the absence of driving forces. Although the uncertainty principle forbids precise measurements of X1 and X2 simultaneously (ΔX1ΔX2>~2mω), X1 alone can be measured precisely and continuously ("quantum nondemolition measurement"). Examples are given of measuring systems that do this job. Such systems might play a crucial role in gravitational-wave detection and elsewhere.

  • Received 23 January 1978

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.40.667

©1978 American Physical Society

Authors & Affiliations

Kip S. Thorne, Ronald W. P. Drever*, Carlton M. Caves, Mark Zimmermann, and Vernon D. Sandberg

  • California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California 91125

  • *On leave of absence from Department of Natural Philosophy, Glasgow University, Glasgow, Scotland.

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Issue

Vol. 40, Iss. 11 — 13 March 1978

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