Co-levitation of an ultra-high-Q nanomechanical oscillator and an atomic qubit

Mechanical oscillators based on levitated particles are a promising experimental platform for testing fundamental physics and detecting weak forces [1]. Quantum experiments with such systems require a low damping rate and quantum control of their motion. Here we demonstrate a levitated mechanical oscillator with an ultra-low damping rate and, as a result, an ultra-high quality factor [2]. Moreover, we introduce a qubit into the system. Coupling qubits to such oscillators could allow quantum control of their motion, similar to the control that has been achieved with systems based on solid-state oscillators [3].