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Vahala Research Group
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Cavity Optomechanics

optomechanics

Light exerts a radial pressure as it circulates within a whispering-gallery resonator. If the resonator supports mechanical modes, then this pressure provides a way for these modes to interact with the light field. Our group was the first to observe dynamic back action associated with this interaction.

For an introduction to this subject see the following review:

T.J. Kippenberg and Kerry J. Vahala
"Cavity Optomechanics: Back-Action at the Mesoscale"
Science 321, 1172-1176 (2008)