Harnessing nonlinear dynamics for quantum state synthesis of mechanical oscillators in tripartite optomechanics

Owing to their long lifetimes at cryogenic temperatures, mechanical oscillators have been recognized as an attractive resource for quantum information science and as a test bed to explore fundamental physics. Key to many of these applications is the ability to prepare, manipulate, and measure quantum states of mechanical motion. By capturing the exact nonlinear quantum dynamics, we show how tripartite optomechanical interactions, involving the mutual coupling between two distinct optical modes and an acoustic resonance, enable quantum states of mechanical oscillators to be synthesized and interrogated using classical state preparation.