Over the past year a new research field has emerged: cavity Optomechanics which brings the quantum regime of mechanical oscillators in reach and may allow to explore new fundamental measurements concepts, may lead to novel transducers and test quantum mechanics on a macroscopic scale. In this research field, which utilizes mechanical oscillators coupled to laser fields, Europe has played a pioneering role. The distinguishing feature of this ITN training network is that the partners are active in this research field (cavity Optomechanics), which facilitates and indeed leverages the collaborative effort and will make this ITN highly effective. Cavity optomechanics is moreover a field which is highly faceted in terms of the required and offered training skills that spans quantum optics, nanofabrication, finite element simulation and cryogenic expertise and techniques as well as quantum theory. To effectively train new students it is therefore pivotal to train students in all relevant skills and techniques and theory. The realization that a single group is much less efficient than a consortium is the major driving force behind the ITN network. It will provide a streamlined, high quality-training program that offers a remarkably diverse set of skills. This training program will be of immediate benefit to the partners that will thereby obtain a superior training of their PhD students, which therefore provides a build-in mechanism that will ensure the effective realization of the proposed ITN training program and it success. The existence of such a training program, which will be opened to international groups, will contribute to the visibility of the EU cavity optomechanics community in an international setting.

Coordinator: ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE Switzerland

Start Date: 2012-06-01 / End Date: 2016-05-31

Info at Cordis: http://cordis.europa.eu/project/rcn/103732_en.html