Basic theory of cavity optomechanics

Abstract

This chapter provides a brief basic introduction to the theory used to describe cavity-optomechanical systems. This can serve as background information to understand the other chapters of the book. We first review the Hamiltonian and show how it can be approximately brought into quadratic form. Then we discuss the classical dynamics both in the linear regime (featuring optomechanical damping, optical spring, strong coupling, and optomechanically induced transparency) and in the nonlinear regime (optomechanical self-oscillations and attractor diagram). Finally, we discuss the quantum theory of optomechanical cooling, using the powerful and versatile quantum noise approach.