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Topic

Cavity Optomechanical Oscillation Locking

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Date & location

• Thursday, December 19, 2024

• 9:00 A.M.

• Virtual Defence

Reviewers

Supervisory Committee

• Dr. Tao Lu, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Victoria (Supervisor)

• Dr. Hong Chuan Yang, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, UVic (Member) 

External Examiner

• Dr. Yang Shi, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Victoria 

Chair of Oral Examination

• Dr. Rana El-Sabaawi, Department of Biology, UVic 

Abstract

Optical microcavities have emerged as powerful tools for detecting single molecules and nanoparticles due to their exceptional sensitivity and label-free operation. However, the performance of ultra-high-Q microcavities is highly sensitive to factors such as ambient temperature fluctuations, mechanical vibrations, and laser frequency drifts, all of which destabilizing laser-cavity detuning and intracavity power. Optomechanical oscillation (OMO), a phenomenon driven by radiation pressure within the cavity, offers significant advantages for liquid-based sensing, but requires stringent conditions stable laser-cavity detuning for sustainable regenerative operation. In this thesis, we demonstrate stable, long-term OMO in an aqueous environment by implementing a Proportional-Integral (PI) locking.