At the ANU (CQC2T - Lam group), we have carried out experiments to optically detect and cool nano-mechanical oscillators namely Ag₂Ga nanowires by means of photothermal forces. We have demonstrated that by periodic feedback cooling of a nanowire its force sensitivity can be enhanced.

In our group, we investigate atom-like interactions of nano-mechanical oscillators with coherent laser fields for the purpose of developing hybrid sensing devices with unprecedented sensitivity.