Quantum optomechanics & quantum reservoir engineering

The field of quantum optomechanics involves studying the interaction between photons in a cavity or circuit and the motion of a mechanical resonator. It has seen remarkable progress in the past few years, and holds considerable promise for both fundamental studies of quantum phenomena, as well as applications to quantum information processing and ultra-sensitive detection. In this talk, I'll start by giving a pedagogical introduction to optomechanics, discussing both recent experimental developments and the basic theoretical ideas relevant to the field. I'll then discuss recent theory work in my group examining how mechanical dissipation in these systems can be used as a quantum resource to perform various tasks (e.g. prepare highly entangled photon states).