Quantum optics seminar
Optically Hyperpolarized Materials for Levitated Optomechanics – Testing the Nuclear Einstein de-Haas and Barnett Effect
Ms. Marit Steiner
Ulm University
Abstract
Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89673939392?pwd=92e2wj82nI1LF6lPzrvvKXdoz0NEdo.1
Abstract:
Levitated solids with controllable spins offer a new platform for exploring spin-mechanical
interactions in the solid state. In particular, nuclear spin hyperpolarization enables the
investigation of the weak couplings between nuclear spins and the rotational degrees of
freedom, which have so far eluded experimental observation.
In my presentation, I will explore the potential of levitating solids embedded with non-
permanent, optically controllable electron spins, which can be used to hyperpolarize their
nuclear spin environment. Pentacene doped naphthalene will serve as a leading example.
Leveraging photo-excited triplet states in pentacene, this system enables exceptional nuclear
spin hyperpolarization in naphthalene, with polarization rates of up to 80% already
demonstrated. These remarkable polarization levels significantly increase spin-dependent
forces, enhancing the sensitivity to spin-rotational couplings. [1]
Building on this, we investigate the use of hyperpolarized naphthalene to probe spin-
rotational couplings: specifically, the nuclear Einstein–de Haas and nuclear Barnett effects.
Although theoretically predicted, these effects have not yet been observed in solid-state
systems due to the extremely weak coupling between nuclear spins and mechanical motion.
By leveraging the large ensemble of polarized hydrogen nuclear spins in naphthalene,
together with the controllable rotational degrees of freedom of levitated particles, we propose
a protocol to enable their first detection in the solid state.
[1] M. O. E. Steiner, J. S. Pedernales, and M. B. Plenio, Pentacene-Doped Naphthalene for
Levitated Optomechanics, Quantum 9, 1928 (2025)
Abstract:
Levitated solids with controllable spins offer a new platform for exploring spin-mechanical
interactions in the solid state. In particular, nuclear spin hyperpolarization enables the
investigation of the weak couplings between nuclear spins and the rotational degrees of
freedom, which have so far eluded experimental observation.
In my presentation, I will explore the potential of levitating solids embedded with non-
permanent, optically controllable electron spins, which can be used to hyperpolarize their
nuclear spin environment. Pentacene doped naphthalene will serve as a leading example.
Leveraging photo-excited triplet states in pentacene, this system enables exceptional nuclear
spin hyperpolarization in naphthalene, with polarization rates of up to 80% already
demonstrated. These remarkable polarization levels significantly increase spin-dependent
forces, enhancing the sensitivity to spin-rotational couplings. [1]
Building on this, we investigate the use of hyperpolarized naphthalene to probe spin-
rotational couplings: specifically, the nuclear Einstein–de Haas and nuclear Barnett effects.
Although theoretically predicted, these effects have not yet been observed in solid-state
systems due to the extremely weak coupling between nuclear spins and mechanical motion.
By leveraging the large ensemble of polarized hydrogen nuclear spins in naphthalene,
together with the controllable rotational degrees of freedom of levitated particles, we propose
a protocol to enable their first detection in the solid state.
[1] M. O. E. Steiner, J. S. Pedernales, and M. B. Plenio, Pentacene-Doped Naphthalene for
Levitated Optomechanics, Quantum 9, 1928 (2025)