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Fundamental physics – Microresonators for the demonstration of quantum fluctuations

A new design that suggests possible advances in the field of time bases in a Mems (electromagnetic microsystem) configuration.

A microresonator designed by Onera, at a frequency of 3.5 MHz and mass of 20 µg, has shown its ultrastable qualities, which means it should be possible to demonstrate its fundamental quantum state. This would be a world first.

This new design of quartz resonator, that is the subject of a patent application, also suggests advances in the field of time bases in a Mems configuration, since it is compatible with techniques of collective etching (Onera specialism). This work has been done in partnership with the Kastler-Brossel laboratory of the ENS in Paris and the Advanced Materials Laboratory of the CNRS (LMA) as part of the ANR ARQOMM project.

Details of the resonator that has been developed: the resonator has a central triangle vibrating in elongation/compression mode. Around the resonator a decoupling device is used to obtain very high quality* factors, greater than 2 million.

A quartz wafer comprising 9 resonators machined collectively by chemical etching.

* quality factor

The quality factor of a resonating system measures the damping rate of the oscillator. The quality factor is used to quantify the “quality of a filter” (whether electronic, acoustic, optical, etc.); the higher the quality factor, the greater the selectivity of the filter.