Quantum Opto-Mechanical Systems for Quantum Technologies

In this thesis we theoretically explore the perspectives of control of the quantum dynamics of experimentally relevant systems for quantum technological applications. In Part II we analyze a quantum memory for single photons consisting of a single atom confined in an optical cavity and driven by a laser. We optimize the absorption of the single photon into an atomic excitation by suitably tailoring the laser pulse. In Part III we analyze a monolithic diamond structure which embeds a nitrogen-vacancy center. We identify the parameters regime and the processes that lead to radiative cooling of a mechanical mode of the diamond structure by laser-driving the NV-center. In Part IV we investigate spontaneous spin-spatial pattern formation in an ensemble of laser driven thermal atoms confined in an optical cavity and explore the perspectives of using this system as quantum simulator of quantum magnetism