Quantum Non-Gaussian States of Superfluid Helium Vibrations

Abstract Quantum non-Gaussian states of phononic systems coupled to light are essential for fundamental studies of single-phonon mechanics and direct applications in quantum technology. Although nonclassical mechanical states have already been demonstrated, the more challenging quantum non-Gaussianity of such states remains limited. Using photon counting detection, we propose the quantum non-Gaussian generation of few-phonon states of low-temperature vibrating superfluid Helium. We predict the quantum non-Gaussian depth of such phononic states and investigate their robustness under relevant mechanical heating. As the quality of such phononic states is very high, we confirm a single-phonon bunching capability to further classify such states for future mechanical experiments. Moreover, we predict increasing capability for force sensing and thermometry for increasing heralded phonon numbers.