Nonlinear quantum metrology using coupled nanomechanical resonators

Abstract

We consider a nanomechanical analogue of a nonlinear interferometer, consisting of two parallel, flexural nanomechanical resonators, each with an intrinsic Duffing nonlinearity and with a switchable beamsplitter-like coupling between them. We calculate the precision with which the strength of the nonlinearity can be estimated and show that it scales as 1/n3/2, where n is the mean phonon number of the initial state. This result holds even in the presence of dissipation, but assumes the ability to make measurements of the quadrature components of the nanoresonators. © IOP Publishing Ltd and Deutsche Physikalische Gesellschan.