Discovering Applications: Interaction Between Optical and Mechanical Modes

Abstract

Interaction between optical and mechanical modes in an optical cavity is studied. For a given condition, the frequency difference between the source beam and the scattered beam matches the frequency of the mechanical mode of the mirror. In such condition, energy from the source beam is absorbed by the mechanical mode of the mirror and gets excited. This excitation process is highlighted as three-mode interaction. By carefully understanding the mechanism that leads to photon–phonon interaction, several application-based devices can be generated which can be used as a tool for precision engineering. Here, three-mode interaction is used in a controlled way to excite several mechanical modes of the mirror forming the cavity which can find its application in industries like the optoelectronics, optomechanical, and telecommunications.