Quantum dynamics of a cantilever under combined additive and parametric noise: Implications for squeezing and sensitivity control

Abstract

We present a comprehensive quantum framework to analyze the dynamics of a nanomechanical cantilever subjected to combined additive and parametric noise. Using the Wigner phase-space representation, we derive and numerically solve c-number stochastic differential equations that accurately capture the evolution of the quantum state under realistic noise conditions. This operator-to-c-number mapping makes the role of quadrature noise sources explicit and provides a transparent route to evaluating squeezing. Our simulations reveal distinct dynamical regimes, demonstrating a critical trade-off determined by the parametric drive strength g0. In the stable regime, parametric modulation suppresses quantum fluctuations, achieving squeezing of about −1.7 dB relative to the vacuum noise limit. For stronger parametric driving, transient squeezing levels approaching −5 dB are observed, but these gains are accompanied by rapid growth of the conjugate quadrature and eventual instability. We further connect these dynamics to effective quality factor enhancement, clarifying the implications for nano-cantilever sensor performance. An explicit check of the Heisenberg uncertainty relation confirms that our simulations remain physically consistent. Together, these results establish a unified framework that links fundamental quantum noise dynamics with practical benchmarks for quantum-enhanced sensing.