High Q Optical Microcavities

This lecture explores the science and applications of high Q microresonators, focusing on the physics and applications of high Q optical microcavities. It covers topics such as the quality-factor and nonlinear properties of optical whispering-gallery modes, ultra-high quality factor microresonators, and the physics of high Q microresonators. The lecture delves into cavity quantum optomechanics, mechanical oscillators in science and technology, and the quantum mechanics of the harmonic oscillator. It also discusses radiation pressure trapping of dielectric particles, ground state cooling of ions, and the quantum-mechanical radiation-pressure fluctuations in an interferometer.