| It has been over 100 years since the first conclusive demonstration of radiation pressure by Lebedev and Nichols and Hull. Cavity optomechanical systems---high finesse optical cavities coupled to mechanical resonators---are good testing grounds for the mechanical properties of light. The system described in this dissertation is a 7 mm long cavity coupled to a 1 mm square, 50 mm thick silicon nitride membrane. Like many similar optomechanical systems, ranging from the Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory to microtoroids, this work has moved beyond detecting the steady state force of light on a mirror to a rich array of dynamical effects. Classical effects include shifts in the mechanical resonant frequency and optical damping, both of which are demonstrated in this thesis.;The (relatively) strong coupling between the light and mechanical resonator can, in principle, demonstrate effects beyond classical mechanics and classical light. This thesis represents an attempt to directly measure random quantum fluctuations in the force of light reflecting from a surface, an effect we call the radiation pressure shot noise.;A correlation measurement scheme developed theoretically by Borkje et al. was implemented. This measurement scheme is capable of distinguishing the effects of the random thermal force from the random radiation pressure shot noise. Successful suppression of thermal effects was demonstrated, though unfortunately not to the level required to measure the radiation pressure shot noise. In spite of not accomplishing this major physics goal, much was learned about this measurement scheme and its potential for future measurements of the radiation pressure shot noise.;The dissertation begins with an overview of a variety of physical manifestations of the radiation pressure shot noise. The relevant theoretical formalism is then developed, and the correlation scheme is explained. Our technical accomplishments in developing the correlation measurement scheme are presented. The correlation measurement scheme is then used to accomplish successful suppression of thermal effects consistent with the theory developed by Borkje et al. The paper concludes with a brief look at proposed optomechanical systems that may offer a better opportunity to observe the radiation pressure shot noise. |
