Vibration damping platform for cavity quantum-electrodynamics experiments

Abstract

We present a mechanical platform with enhanced vibration damping properties for cavity quantum-electrodynamics experiments. It is based on a composite design that combines a soft, vibration damping core with a rigid shell maintaining optical alignment. It passively damps the vibrations generated by piezoelectric actuators controlling the mirror positions. The mechanical resonances of the platform, which lead to a length change of the cavity, are efficiently suppressed up to 100 kHz. Our platform is ultra-high vacuum compatible and can be used in most applications, in particular, where long cavities and optical access to the cavity center are required.