David Vitali

• PhD in Physics, Scuola Normale Superiore Pisa
• Professor (Full) at Università di Camerino

The variational quantum eigensolver (VQE) is generally regarded as a promising quantum algorithm for near-term noisy quantum computers. However, when implemented with the deep circuits that are in principle required for achieving a satisfactory accuracy, the algorithm is strongly limited by noise. Here, we show how to make VQE functional via a tail...

The quantum transduction of an rf/microwave signal to the optical domain, and vice versa, paves the way for technologies that exploit the advantages of each domain to perform quantum operations. Since electro–optomechanical devices implement a simultaneous coupling of a mechanical oscillator to both an rf/microwave field and an optical field, they...

In a two-membrane cavity optomechanical setup, two semi-transparent membranes placed within an optical Fabry-P\'erot cavity yield a nontrivial dependence of the frequency of a mode of the optical cavity on the membranes' positions, which is due to interference. However, the system dynamics is typically described by a radiation pressure force treatm...

The generation of large-amplitude coherent states of a massive mechanical resonator, and their quantum-limited detection represent useful tools for quantum sensing and for testing fundamental physics theories. In fact, any weak perturbation may affect the coherent quantum evolution of the prepared state, providing a sensitive probe for such a pertu...

We propose an experiment to test the non-classicality of the gravitational interaction. We consider two optomechanical systems that are perfectly isolated, except for a weak gravitational coupling. If a suitable resonance condition is satisfied, an optical signal can be transmitted from one system to the other over a narrow frequency band, a phenom...

The quantum transduction of an rf/microwave signal to the optical domain, and viceversa, paves the way to novel technologies which exploit the advantages of each domain to perform quantum operations. Since electro-optomechanical devices implement a simultaneous coupling of a mechanical oscillator to both an rf/microwave field and an optical field,...

Optomechanics with semi-transparent membrane multi-oscillators in a high-finesse cavity is an established solution for designing the dispersive interaction, and reaching many achievements, such as the study of non-linear dynamics, heat transfer, and so on. The multi-oscillators are dielectric slabs, usually with low reflectivity, constituting an et...

We investigate the potential of combining the computational power of noisy quantum computers and of classical scalable convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The goal is to accurately predict exact expectation values of parameterized quantum circuits representing the Trotter-decomposed dynamics of quantum Ising models. By incorporating (simulated) n...

Absolute angular rotation rate measurements with sensitivity better than prad/s would be beneficial for fundamental science investigations. In this regard, large frame Earth based ring laser gyroscopes are top instrumentation as far as bandwidth, long-term operation, and sensitivity are concerned. Here, we demonstrate that the GINGERINO active-ring...

We investigate a scheme to enhance the sensitivity in detecting weak variations in a parameter of an optoelectromechanical system by detecting the system response at radio frequencies. We consider a setup where either one or two mechanical modes mediate the interaction between an optical cavity and an rf resonator. This system can be operated in a...

Quantum optomechanical systems (OMSs) in which the quantized vibration of a mechanical oscillator (MO) is coupled to a quantized electromagnetic (EM) field via a radiation-pressure-type coupling at macroscopic scale have opened a new perspective in in the field of quantum sensing [1]. Optomechanical-based sensors have been recognized as an optimal...

We show how to dissipatively stabilize the quantum state of N mechanical resonators in an optomechanical system, where the resonators interact by radiation pressure with N optical modes, which are driven by properly selected multifrequency drives. We analyze the performance of this approach for the stationary preparation of Gaussian cluster states.

Thermal noise is a major obstacle to observing quantum behavior in macroscopic systems. To mitigate its effect, quantum optomechanical experiments are typically performed in a cryogenic environment. However, this condition represents a considerable complication in the transition from fundamental research to quantum technology applications. It is th...

Coherent long-range interactions between atoms are a prerequisite for numerous applications in the field of quantum information science. Here we present an appealing method to dramatically enhance the long-range atom-atom interaction mediated by a coupled-cavity array that is subjected to two-photon (parametric) drives. Our method allows one to gre...

Entanglement is vulnerable to degradation in a noisy sensing scenario, but surprisingly, the quantum illumination protocol has demonstrated that its advantage can survive. However, designing a measurement system that realizes this advantage is challenging since the information is hidden in the weak correlation embedded in the noise at the receiver...

In this work, we present an Opto-Electro-Mechanical Modulator (OEMM) for RF-to-optical transduction realized via an ultra-coherent nanomembrane resonator capacitively coupled to an rf injection circuit made of a microfabricated read-out able to improve the electro-optomechanical interaction. This device configuration can be embedded in a Fabry-Pero...

In this work, we present an Opto-Electro-Mechanical Modulator (OEMM) for RF-to-optical transduction realized via an ultra-coherent nanomembrane resonator capacitively coupled to an rf injection circuit made of a microfabricated read-out able to improve the electro-optomechanical interaction. This device configuration can be embedded in a Fabry–Pero...

We study the dissipative stabilization of entangled states in arrays of quantum systems. Specifically, we are interested in the states of qubits (spin-1/2) which may or may not interact with one or more cavities (bosonic modes). In all cases only one element, either a cavity or a qubit, is lossy and irreversibly coupled to a reservoir. When the los...

Thermal noise is a major obstacle to observing quantum behavior in macroscopic systems. To mitigate its effect, quantum optomechanical experiments are typically performed in a cryogenic environment. However, this condition represents a considerable complication in the transition from fundamental research to quantum technology applications. It is th...

Cavity optomechanics is a suitable field to explore quantum effects on macroscopic objects, and to develop quantum technologies applications. A perfect control on the laser noises is required to operate the system in such extreme conditions, necessary to reach the quantum regime. In this paper we consider a Fabry-Perot cavity, driven by two laser f...

Coherent long-range interactions between atoms are a prerequisite for numerous applications in the field of quantum information science, but they usually decrease exponentially with the increase in atomic separation. Here we present an appealing method to dramatically enhance the long-range atom-atom interaction mediated by a coupled-cavity array t...

Entanglement is vulnerable to degradation in a noisy sensing scenario, but surprisingly, the quantum illumination protocol has demonstrated that its advantage can survive. However, designing a measurement system that realizes this advantage is challenging since the information is hidden in the weak correlation embedded in the noise at the receiver...

Predicting the output of quantum circuits is a hard computational task that plays a pivotal role in the development of universal quantum computers. Here we investigate the supervised learning of output expectation values of random quantum circuits. Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are trained to predict single-qubit and two-qubit expectati...

Absolute angular rotation rate measurements with sensitivity better than prad/sec would be beneficial for fundamental science investigations. On this regard, large frame Earth based ring laser gyroscopes are top instrumentation as far as bandwidth, long term operation and sensitivity are concerned. Their classical sensitivity limit is given by the...

We study the dissipative stabilization of entangled states in arrays of quantum systems. Specifically, we are interested in the states of qubits (spin-1/2) which may or may not interact with one or more cavities (bosonic modes). In all cases only one element, either a cavity or a qubit, is lossy and irreversibly coupled to a reservoir. When the los...

Nonreciprocal systems breaking time-reversal symmetry are essential tools in modern quantum technologies enabling the suppression of unwanted reflected signals or extraneous noise entering through detection ports. Here we propose a scheme enabling nonreciprocal conversion between optical and radio-frequency (rf) photons using exclusively optomechan...

In this paper we propose an experimentally viable scheme to enhance the sensitivity of force detection in a hybrid optomechanical setup assisted by squeezed vacuum injection, beyond the standard quantum limit (SQL). The scheme is based on a combination of the coherent quantum noise cancellation (CQNC) strategy with a variational homodyne detection...

Predicting the output of quantum circuits is a hard computational task that plays a pivotal role in the development of universal quantum computers. Here we investigate the supervised learning of output expectation values of random quantum circuits. Deep convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are trained to predict single-qubit and two-qubit expectati...

A simple feedback scheme can be used to operate efficiently a microwavequantum-illumination device based on electro-optomechanical systems also in regimes in which excess dissipation would, otherwise, prevent to outperform the optimal classical illumination protocol with the same transmitted energy.

We propose a scheme for enhancing the optomechanical coupling between microwave and mechanical resonators by up to seven orders of magnitude to the ultrastrong coupling limit in a circuit optomechanical setting. The tripartite system considered here consists of a Josephson junction Cooper-pair box that mediates the coupling between the microwave ca...

Quantum control techniques applied at macroscopic scales provide us with opportunities in fundamental physics and practical applications. Among them, measurement-based feedback allows efficient control of optomechanical systems and quantum-enhanced sensing. In this paper, we propose a near-resonant narrow-band force sensor with extremely low optica...

Nonreciprocal systems breaking time-reversal symmetry are essential tools in modern quantum technologies enabling the suppression of unwanted reflected signals or extraneous noise entering through detection ports. Here we propose a scheme enabling nonreciprocal conversion between optical and radio-frequency (rf) photons using exclusively optomechan...

In this paper, we review the linear and non-linear dynamics of an optomechanical system made of a two-membrane etalon in a high-finesse Fabry–Pérot cavity. This two-membrane setup has the capacity to modify on demand the single-photon optomechanical coupling, and in the linearized interaction regime to cool simultaneously two mechanical oscillators...

A simple feedback scheme can be used to operate efficiently a microwave-quantum-illumination device based on electro-optomechanical systems also in regimes in which excess dissipation would, otherwise, prevent to outperform the optimal classical illumination protocol with the same transmitted energy.

In this paper, we propose an experimentally feasible scheme to enhance the sensitivity of the weak-force detection beyond the standard quantum limit (SQL) in a hybrid optomechanical setup assisted with squeezed vacuum injection, based on a combination of the coherent quantum noise cancellation (CQNC) strategy [\textit{\color{blue} New. J. Phys. 18,...

We design a feedback scheme that can be used to operate efficiently a microwave quantum-illumination device based on electro-optomechanical systems also in regimes in which photon losses would, otherwise, prevent to outperform the optimal classical illumination protocol with the same transmitted energy.

Detection of low-reflectivity objects can be enriched via the so-called quantum illumination procedure. In order that this quantum procedure outperforms classical detection protocols, entangled states of microwave radiation are initially required. In this paper, we discuss the role of Josephson Traveling Wave Parametric Amplifiers (JTWPAs), based o...

Detection of low-reflectivity objects can be improved by the so-called quantum illumination procedure. However, quantum detection probability exponentially decays with the source bandwidth. The Josephson Parametric Amplifiers (JPAs) technology utilized as a source, generating a pair of entangled signals called two-mode squeezed vacuum states, shows...

Micro- and nanomechanical resonators play a prominent part in many sensing and signal processing platforms due to their capability to pervasively couple with a wide variety of physical systems. Particularly relevant is their embedding in advanced optomechanical setups, which has recently pioneered optically cooled mechanical oscillators toward the...

Cavity optomechanics represents a flexible platform for the implementation of quantum technologies, useful in particular for the realization of quantum interfaces, quantum sensors and quantum information processing. However, the dispersive, radiation-pressure interaction between the mechanical and the electromagnetic modes is typically very weak, h...

Cavity optomechanics represents a flexible platform for the implementation of quantum technologies, useful in particular for the realization of quantum interfaces, quantum sensors and quantum information processing. However, the dispersive, radiation–pressure interaction between the mechanical and the electromagnetic modes is typically very weak, h...

We study the effect of frequent projective measurements on the dynamics of quantum self-sustaining systems, by considering the prototypical example of the quantum Van der Pol oscillator. Quantum fluctuations are responsible for phase diffusion which progressively blurs the semiclassical limit cycle dynamics and synchronization, either to an externa...

Feedback-based control techniques are useful tools in precision measurements as they allow us to actively shape the mechanical response of high quality factor oscillators used in force detection measurements. In this paper, we implement a feedback technique on a high-stress low-loss SiN membrane resonator, exploiting the charges trapped on the diel...

We study the non-linear dynamics of a multimode optomechanical system constituted of a driven high-finesse Fabry-Pérot cavity containing two vibrating dielectric membranes. The analytical study allows to derive a full and consistent description of the displacement detection by a probe beam in the non-linear regime, enabling the faithful detection o...

Quantum control techniques applied at macroscopic scales provide us with opportunities in fundamental physics and practical applications. Among them, measurement-based feedback allows efficient control of optomechanical systems and quantum-enhanced sensing. In this paper, we propose a near-resonant narrow-band force sensor with extremely low optica...

Detection of low-reflectivity objects can be enriched via the so-called quantum illumination procedure. In order that this quantum procedure outperforms classical detection protocols, entangled states of microwave radiation are initially required. In this paper, we discuss the role of Josephson Traveling Wave Parametric Amplifiers (JTWPAs), based o...

Observation of quantum phenomena in cryogenic, optically cooled mechanical resonators has been recently achieved by a few experiments based on cavity optomechanics. A well-established experimental platform is based on a thin film stoichiometric ($ Si_3 N_4 $) nanomembrane embedded in a Fabry-Perot cavity, where the coupling with the light field is...

We study the effect of frequent projective measurements on the dynamics of quantum self-sustaining systems by considering the prototypical example of the quantum van der Pol oscillator. Quantum fluctuations are responsible for phase diffusion which progressively blurs the semiclassical limit-cycle dynamics and synchronization, either to an external...

We present a complete theory for laser cooling of a macroscopic radio-frequency LC electrical circuit by means of an optoelectromechanical system, consisting of an optical cavity dispersively coupled to a nanomechanical oscillator, which is in turn capacitively coupled to the LC circuit of interest. The driven optical cavity cools the mechanical re...

We establish a method for the determination of the single-photon optomechanical coupling rate, which characterizes the radiation pressure interaction in an optomechanical system. The estimation of the rate with which a mechanical oscillator, initially in a thermal state, undergoes a Hopf bifurcation, and reaches a limit cycle, allows us to determin...

We study the dissipative preparation of many-body entangled Gaussian states in bosonic lattice models which could be relevant for quantum technology applications. We assume minimal resources, represented by systems described by particle-conserving quadratic Hamiltonians, with a single localized squeezed reservoir. We show that in this way it is pos...

Quantum optomechanical systems (OMSs) in which the quantized vibration of a mechanical oscillator (MO) is coupled to a quantized electromagnetic (EM) field via a radiation-pressure-type coupling at macroscopic scale have opened a new perspective in in the field of quantum sensing [1]. Optomechanical-based sensors have been recognized as an optimal...

We establish a new method for the determination of the single-photon optomechanical coupling rate, which characterizes the radiation pressure interaction in an optomechanical system. The estimation of the rate with which a mechanical oscillator, initially in a thermal state, undergoes a Hopf bifurcation, and reaches a limit cycle, allows us to dete...

Gaussian cluster states are ideal infinitely squeezed states. In practice it is possible to construct only approximated version of them with finite squeezing. Here we show how to determine the specific multimode squeezing transformation, which generates a faithful approximation of any given Gaussian cluster state.

The funding for the article is corrected to: Open access funding provided by Università degli Studi di Firenze within the CRUI-CARE Agreement. The original article has been corrected.

We propose a scheme for enhancing the optomechanical coupling between microwave and mechanical resonators by up to seven orders of magnitude to the ultrastrong coupling limit in a circuit optomechanical setting. The tripartite system considered here, consists of a Josephson junction Cooper-pair box that mediates the coupling between the microwave c...

Quantum illumination is a sensing technique that employs entangled signal-idler beams to improve the detection efficiency of low-reflectivity objects in environments with large thermal noise. The advantage over classical strategies is evident at low signal brightness, a feature which could make the protocol an ideal prototype for non-invasive scann...

We study the non-linear dynamics of a multimode optomechanical system constituted of a driven high-finesse Fabry-P\'erot cavity containing two vibrating dielectric membranes. The analytical study allows to derive a full and consistent description of the displacement detection by a probe beam in the non-linear regime, enabling the faithful detection...

We present a complete theory for laser cooling of a macroscopic radio-frequency LC electrical circuit by means of an optoelectromechanical system, consisting of an optical cavity dispersively coupled to a nanomechanical oscillator, which is in turn capacitively coupled to the LC circuit of interest. We determine the optimal parameter regime where t...

Phenomenological models aiming to join gravity and quantum mechanics often predict effects that are potentially measurable in refined low-energy experiments. For instance, modified commutation relations between position and momentum, that account for a minimal scale length, yield a dynamics that can be codified in additional Hamiltonian terms. When...

We discuss the dissipative engineering of quantum-correlated Gaussian states in bosonic lattice models, with particle-conserving quadratic Hamiltonians, which are coupled to a single localized squeezed reservoir. We show that it is possible to identify specific Hamiltonians which sustain in the stationary regime any Gaussian state that can be gener...

The simultaneous ground-state cooling of multiple degenerate or near-degenerate mechanical modes coupled to a common cavity-field mode has become an outstanding challenge in cavity optomechanics. This is because the dark modes formed by these mechanical modes decouple from the cavity mode and prevent extracting energy from the dark modes through th...

Gaussian cluster states are ideal infinitely squeezed states. In practice it is possible to construct only approximated version of them with finite squeezing. Here we show that any Gaussian cluster state can be approximated by a specific multi-mode squeezed state.

The simultaneous ground-state cooling of multiple degenerate or near-degenerate mechanical modes coupled to a common cavity-field mode has become an outstanding challenge in cavity optomechanics. This is because the dark modes formed by these mechanical modes decouple from the cavity mode and prevent extracting energy from the dark modes through th...

We experimentally investigate a mechanical squeezed state realized in a parametrically-modulated membrane resonator embedded in an optical cavity. We demonstrate that a quantum characteristic of the squeezed dynamics can be revealed and quantified even in a moderately warm oscillator, through the analysis of motional sidebands. We provide a theoret...

Quantum illumination uses entangled signal-idler photon pairs to boost the detection efficiency of low-reflectivity objects in environments with bright thermal noise. Its advantage is particularly evident at low signal powers, a promising feature for applications such as noninvasive biomedical scanning or low-power short-range radar. Here, we exper...

Phenomenological models aiming to join gravity and quantum mechanics often predict effects that are potentially measurable in refined low-energy experiments. For instance, modified commutation relations between position and momentum, that accounts for a minimal scale length, yield a dynamics that can be codified in additional Hamiltonian terms. Whe...

We study synchronization of a room-temperature optomechanical system formed by two resonators coupled via radiation pressure to the same driven optical cavity mode. By using stochastic Langevin equations and effective slowly varying amplitude equations, we explore the long-time dynamics of the system. We see that thermal noise can induce significan...

We study synchronization of a room temperature optomechanical system formed by two resonators coupled via radiation pressure to the same driven optical cavity mode. By using stochastic Langevin equations and effective slowly-varying amplitude equations, we explore the long-time dynamics of the system. We see that thermal noise can induce significan...

We study theoretically and experimentally the behavior of an optomechanical system where two vibrating dielectric membranes are placed inside a driven Fabry-Pérot cavity. We prove that multi–element systems of mechanical resonators are suitable for enhancing optomechanical performances, and we report a ∼2.47 gain in the optomechanical coupling stre...

We analyze the performance of optomechanical cooling of a mechanical resonator in the presence of a degenerate optical parametric amplifier within the optomechanical cavity, which squeezes the cavity light. We demonstrate that this allows to significantly enhance the cooling efficiency via the coherent suppression of Stokes scattering. The enhanced...

The dissipative properties of an optical cavity can be effectively controlled by placing it in a feedback loop where the light at the cavity output is detected and the corresponding signal is used to modulate the amplitude of a laser field which drives the cavity itself. Here we show that this effect can be exploited to improve the performance of a...

Quantum illumination is a powerful sensing technique which employs entangled photons to boost the detection of low-reflectivity objects in environments with bright thermal noise. The promised advantage over classical strategies is particularly evident at low signal photon flux, a feature which makes the protocol an ideal prototype for non-invasive...

We analyze the performance of optomechanical cooling of a mechanical resonator in the presence of a degenerate optical parametric amplifier within the optomechanical cavity, which squeezes the cavity light. We demonstrate that this allows to significantly enhance the cooling efficiency via the coherent suppression of Stokes scattering. The enhanced...

The dissipative properties of an optical cavity can be effectively controlled by placing it in a feedback loop where the light at the cavity output is detected and the corresponding signal is used to modulate the amplitude of a laser field which drives the cavity itself. Here we show that this effect can be exploited to improve the performance of a...

The field of optomechanics provides us with several examples of quantum photon-phonon interface. In this paper, we theoretically investigate the generation and manipulation of quantum correlations in a microfabricated optomechanical array. We consider a system consisting of localized photonic and phononic modes interacting locally via radiation pre...

The field of optomechanics provides us with several examples of quantum photon-phonon interface. In this paper, we theoretically investigate the generation and manipulation of quantum correlations in a microfabricated optomechanical array. We consider a system consisting of localized photonic and phononic modes interacting locally via radiation pre...

We present an optomechanical multi-mode system where two Si3N4 membranes are placed inside a driven Fabry-Perot cavity. Accordingly the coupling strength is enhanced by a factor ~ 2.47 with respect to the single membrane case.

It has recently been shown [Rossi et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 123603 (2017); Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 073601 (2018)] that feedback-controlled in-loop light can be used to enhance the efficiency of optomechanical systems. We analyze the theoretical ground at the basis of this approach and explore its potentialities and limitations. We discuss the val...

We study the optomechanical behaviour of a driven Fabry–Pérot cavity containing two vibrating dielectric membranes. We characterize the cavity mode frequency shift as a function of the two-membrane positions, and report a ~2.47 gain in the optomechanical coupling strength of the membrane relative motion with respect to the single membrane case. Thi...

It has recently been shown [Rossi et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 119, 123603 (2017); ibid. 120, 073601 (2018)] that feedback--controlled in--loop light can be used to enhance the efficiency of optomechanical systems. We analyse the theoretical ground at the basis of this approach and explore its potentialities and limitations. We discuss the validity of...

We study the optomechanical behaviour of a driven Fabry-P\'erot cavity containing two vibrating dielectric membranes. We characterize the cavity-mode frequency shift as a function of the two-membrane positions, and report a $\sim 2.47$ gain in the optomechanical coupling strength of the membrane relative motion with respect to the single membrane c...

An optoelectromechanical system formed by a nanomembrane capacitively coupled to an LC resonator and to an optical interferometer has been recently employed for the high{sensitive optical readout of radio frequency (RF) signals [T. Bagci, et al., Nature 507, 81 (2013)]. Here we propose and experimentally demonstrate how the bandwidth of such kind o...

The sub-micron range in the field of short distance interactions has yet to be opened to experimental investigation, and may well hold the key to understanding al least part of the dark matter puzzle. The aKWISP (advanced-KWISP) project introduces the novel Double Membrane Interaction Monitor (DMIM), a combined source-sensing device where interacti...