Quantum-electromechanical systems are nanoscale mechanical resonators that have been widely studied and appreciated through both experiment and theory. Despite their macroscopic size and mechanical, ordinary-matter nature, these resonators can exhibit distinct quantum behavior that is of great interest and promise to an experimental exploration of questions in the foundations of quantum mechanics. First, I will sketch the feasibility and features of “cat states” involving macroscopically distinct positions. I will then present two models for decoherence and dissipation in nanomechanical resonators that are inspired by recent experimental evidence. The models also close an important gap in the set of “canonical” models of decoherence.
Université de Melbourne