Acoustic frequency atomic spin oscillator in the quantum regime

Abstract

Quantum noise reduction and entanglement-enhanced sensing in the acoustic frequency range is an outstanding challenge relevant for a number of applications including magnetometry and broadband noise reduction in gravitational wave detectors. Here we experimentally demonstrate quantum behavior of a macroscopic atomic spin oscillator in the acoustic frequency range. Quantum back-action of the spin measurement, ponderomotive squeezing of light, and virtual spring softening are observed at oscillation frequencies down to the sub-kHz range. Quantum noise sources characteristic of spin oscillators operating in the near-DC frequency range are identified and means for their mitigation are presented.