Reminder (TOMORROW): Trieste Quantum Seminar - Piotr Grochowski (Oct 21, at 16:00 - Aula A, Edificio F)

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Dear all,

We are glad to announce our next seminar organized by Trieste Quantum, 
highlighting recent scientific advances in the quantum field:

*Date & Time:* /Tomorrow /*/October 21 /*(updated date!)/ at /*/16:00/ *
*Venue:* /Aula A, Edificio F (Department of Physics, University of 
Trieste), /via Valerio 2
*Remote access: Teams Link 
<https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19%3ameeting_M2MyMzlmM2UtYWZhNC00NDE1LTg3NjItNzgxMjk1MjA2YzJh%40thread.v2/0?context=%7b%22Tid%22%3a%22a54b3635-128c-460f-b967-6ded8df82e75%22%2c%22Oid%22%3a%22a6e7d583-b7db-4779-afea-f9d2d62b6fdf%22%7d>*

Speaker: Dr. Piotr T. Grochowski, Department of Optics, Palacky 
University Olomouc, Czech Republic.

*Title: *Optimal control of mechanical systems in the quantum regime**
*
*
*Abstract:* Continuous-variable quantum systems enable encoding complex 
states in fewer modes through large-scale non-Gaussian states. Motion, 
as a continuous degree of freedom, underlies phenomena from Cooper pair 
dynamics to levitated macroscopic objects. Hence, realizing high-energy, 
spatially extended motional states remains key for advancing quantum 
sensing, simulation, and foundational tests.
In the talk, I will present the following control tasks for various 
nonlinear mechanical systems, including trapped atoms, levitated 
particles, and clamped oscillators with spin-motion coupling.
(i) Nonharmonic potential modulation: Optimal control of a particle in a 
nonharmonic potential enables generation of non-Gaussian states and 
arbitrary unitaries within a chosen two-level subspace [1, Fig. (a)].
(ii) Macroscopic quantum states of levitated particles: Rapid 
preparation of a particle’s center of mass in a macroscopic 
superposition is achieved by releasing it from a harmonic trap into a 
static double-well potential after ground-state cooling [2, (c)].
(iii) Phase-insensitive force sensing: For randomized phase-space 
displacements, quantum optimal control identifies number-squeezed cat 
states as optimal for force sensitivity under lossy dynamics [3, (b)].
These approaches exploit either intrinsic nonharmonicity or coherent 
nonlinear coupling, providing a unified framework for motion control in 
continuous-variable quantum systems from levitated nanoparticles to 
optical and microwave resonators—paving the way toward universal quantum 
control of mechanical motion.


[1] Quantum 9, 1824 (2025); [2] Phys. Rev. Lett. 132, 023601 (2024); [3] 
arXiv: 2505.20832 (2025)

Warm regards,
Faezeh Mousavi & Matteo Carlesso
(Trieste Quantum Seminar Organizing Committee)

*Trieste Quantum*
University of Trieste
www.triestequantum.it <http://www.triestequantum.it>
email: trieste.quantum at units.it <mailto:trieste.quantum at units.it>