T_cSUH Bi-Weekly Seminars

Friday, July 11, 2008

Room 102, University of Houston Science Center

12:00 PM - 01:00 PM

Harmonic oscillator has been well described in both classical mechanics and quantum mechanics. Recent advances in nano-fabrication technology make nano-mechanical resonator a model macroscopic system for investigating quantum behaviors in experiment, e.g., zero-point motion fluctuation. Studying the measurement (interaction) on quantum states of such macroscopic systems may lead to the achievement of ultimate sensitivity for many physical variables limited by quantum interactions. I will describe recent progress in pursuing the position detection limit governed by Heisenberg uncertainty principle and quantum back-action effects, in nano-mechanical resonators coupled to mesoscopic detectors such as single-electron transistors. I will also talk on the potentials of carbon-nanotube based devices in pushing the mechanics into quantum regime.

Haibing Peng obtained his B.E., M.S., and PhD from Tsinghua University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Harvard University, respectively, and joined physics department at UH as an assistant professor since fall 2007. His current research interest resides in the electronic and mechanical properties of a variety of novel nanostructures.