Cavity optomechanics lies at the intersection of fundamental physics, photonics and nano-mechanics. Its multidisciplinary nature requires innovative and specially-designed physical systems, and makes indispensable the ability to perform high-quality simulations of mechanical, electromagnetic and thermodynamic properties of such systems, often with these properties interacting.

This 4-day workshop aims to provide fundamental understanding and practical know-how for performing such simulations. The emphasis will be on the finite-element method (FEM) using the ubiquitous COMSOL software, but will also include electromagnetic simulations using Sonnet and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) methods.

The lectures will be given by experienced postdocs and Ph.D. students from Prof. Kippenberg's group at EPFL, the Laboratory of Photonics and Quantum Measurements. These will include case studies of actual systems, with the simulation process presented in a live, step-by-step manner – from understanding the physical model to final extraction of the relevant data. The participants will use their own computer to follow the simulation steps. We aim to cover a wide range of topics, from simple mechanical Q calculations to computation of optomechanical coupling parameters and more.

A major emphasis will be given to hands-on experience. Extended exercise sessions scheduled at the end of each day, will permit the participants to implement their own simulations guided by the topics presented, in order to further understand both the simulation process and the underlying physics.

Organizer:

Tobias J. Kippenberg (EPFL)

“Optomechanical Technologies OMT” (www.omt‐etn.net) is an EU H2020 Marie Curie Skłodowska - European Training Network (ETN) , funded under grant agreement 722923.