Nanoscale optomechanics: sensors and hybrid quantum systems

Recent advances in optomechanics utilize the co-localization of optical and mechanical modes for coherent energy exchange between photons and phonons within nanoscale structures. These optomechanical devices have demonstrated exceptional promise as sensors of mechanical motion, and as probes of mesoscopic quantum effects. In this talk I will review these advances, and discuss efforts to create optomechanical devices optimized for detecting torsional excitations associated with nanoelectronic and magnetic systems. I will also examine the possibility of studying the interaction between electron spins embedded within optomechanical devices and single phonons.