This thesis presents experimental research on the interaction between the optical field and the mechanical oscillator in whispering-gallery mode microcavities. It demonstrates how optomechanical interactions in a microresonator can be used to achieve non-magnetic non-reciprocity and develop all-optically controlled non-reciprocal multifunctional photonic devices. The thesis also discusses the interaction between the travelling optical and mechanical whispering-gallery modes, paving the way for non-reciprocal light storage as a coherent, circulating acoustic wave with a lifetime of up to tens of microseconds. Lastly, the thesis presents a high-frequency phase-sensitive heterodyne vibrometer, operating up to 10 GHz, which can be used for the high-resolution, non-invasive mapping of the vibration patterns of acoustic devices. The results presented here show that optomechanical devices hold great potential in the field of information processing.

This thesis presents experimental research on the interaction between the optical field and the mechanical oscillator in whispering-gallery mode microcavities. It demonstrates how optomechanical interactions in a microresonator can be used to achieve non-magnetic non-reciprocity and develop all-optically controlled non-reciprocal multifunctional photonic devices. The thesis also discusses the interaction between the travelling optical and mechanical whispering-gallery modes, paving the way for non-reciprocal light storage as a coherent, circulating acoustic wave with a lifetime of up to tens of microseconds. Lastly, the thesis presents a high-frequency phase-sensitive heterodyne vibrometer, operating up to 10 GHz, which can be used for the high-resolution, non-invasive mapping of the vibration patterns of acoustic devices. The results presented here show that optomechanical devices hold great potential in the field of information processing.