Publication date: 15th December 2025
Nonlinearity gives rise to the richness of mechanical systems, yet demonstrating nonlinearity that is relevant in the quantum regime has remained an open challenge. Overcoming this barrier is key to entering a new era of quantum nanomechanics. Nonlinear effects at the scale of zero-point motion are essential to unlock new regimes of quantum nanomechanics. We demonstrate that ultrastrong coupling (USC) between a nanotube mechanical oscillator and an electronic two-level system enables a mechanical Kerr nonlinearity at the zero-point motion scale. In the far-detuned dispersive USC regime, the large coupling yields a large mechanical anharmonicity while preserving the predominantly mechanical nature of the lowest energy states. This regime also realizes a cavity readout of the mechanical motion in a quantum non-demolition (QND) manner. The cavity readout is based on a purely quadratic optomechanical coupling, which can be tuned into the conventional linear interaction by electrostatic control.
