Optomechanical interfaces for hybrid quantum networks

Recent advances on optical control of mechanical motion in an optomechanical resonator have stimulated strong interests in exploring quantum behaviors of otherwise classical, macroscopic mechanical systems and especially in exploiting mechanical degrees of freedom for applications in quantum information processing.In an optomechanical resonator, an optically- active mechanical mode can couple to any of the optical resonances supported by the resonator via radiation pressure. his unique property leads to a remarkable phenomenon: mechanically-mediated conversion of optical ields between vastly diferent wavelengths. he resulting optomechanical interfaces can play a special role in a hybrid quantum network, enabling quantum communication between disparate quantum systems. In this review, we introduce the basic concepts of optomechanical interactions and discuss recent theoretical and experimental progresses in this ield. A particular emphasis is on taking advantage of mechanical degrees of freedom, while avoiding detrimental efects of thermal mechanical motion.