ABSTRACT
In this chapter we use the quantum theory of continuous measurement to describe the linearised interaction between light and a mechanical oscillator in a cavity optomechanical system, and quantify how the optical output field can be used to monitor the quantum state of the mechanics. We show that continuous measurement results in unavoidable quantum back-action that heats the mechanical oscillator and introduces a standard quantum limit to force and displacement sensing, and detail how important parameters in quantum optomechanics, including optomechanical coupling rate, cooperativity, and oscillator temperature, can be characterised by optical measurement.
