Abstract:

A remarkable number of physical problems, whether quantum or classical, can be reduced to simple harmonic motion - the quintessential mass-on-a-spring.  Because of this, the mass-spring system is of great use to physicists as a tool for exploring complex systems in a straightforward manner.   I will show you how my lab uses nanomechanical resonators, from exotic searches for quantum excitations at low temperatures to practical applications like fingerprinting femtogram scale quantities of molecules.