Deterministic preparation of highly non-classical macroscopic quantum states

Abstract

We present a scheme to deterministically prepare non-classical quantum states of a massive mirror including highly non-Gaussian states exhibiting sizeable negativity of the Wigner function. This is achieved by exploiting the non-linear light–matter interaction in an optomechanical cavity by driving the system with optimally designed frequency patterns. Our scheme reveals to be resilient against mechanical and optical damping, as well as mechanical thermal noise and imperfections in the driving scheme. Our proposal thus opens a promising route for table-top experiments to explore and exploit macroscopic quantum phenomena.