Mechanical quantum systems are of interest for the exploration of quantum phenomena in progressively larger and more massive systems, thereby pushing the boundaries of testing quantum mechanics. Compared to clamped mechanical oscillators, levitated systems offer unique advantages, such as highly controllable trapping potentials that can, for example, facilitate sophisticated protocols in non-harmonic potentials. Here, we use all-superconducting magnetic levitation, which allows to trap massive particles and provides virtually dissipation-free trapping. Recent experiments have demonstrated the levitation of microgram masses with mechanical quality factors reaching 2.6×10⁷ for masses on the order of 6 µg. These experiments are aimed at studying the quantum properties of such massive objects, with the ultimate aim of studying the conceptual interface between gravity and quantum mechanics.

This work is performed in close collaboration with the Aspelmeyer Group.