High Precision Measurement of Electric Field at the Nanoscale in Optomechanical Systems

This study demonstrates that electric field at the nanoscale in optomechanical systems can be accurately measured using high vacuum sustainable nanoparticles. Firstly, the calibration coefficient between position and voltage from optical detector is calibrated for a high vacuum sustainable nanoparticle at 1e-5mbar based on the position related nonlinear property of optical trap. The mass of the nanoparticle is then calculated using the equipartition theorem. Next, a stable harmonic electric field is applied to the nanoparticle, which has a net charge of 3, through a pair of parallel electrodes. Finally, an electric field measurement error of 3.8% is achieved in our system. In addition to enhancing the accuracy of electric field detection with high spatial resolution, this measurement provides a method to calibrate optomechanical systems for non-high vacuum sustainable nanoparticles through the harmonic force response. This opens up new avenues for studying small particles such as aerosols, viruses, and dusts.