Shuttle-promoted nano-mechanical current switch

TL;DR

This paper explores a nanoelectromechanical device with a movable metallic rod that can switch between different stable states under voltage and magnetic field control, enabling current switching and magnetic sensing.

Contribution

It introduces a tunable three-terminal nanoelectromechanical device with multiple stable regimes and magnetic field-controlled switching mechanisms.

Findings

Multiple stable and limiting cycle regimes are identified.

Magnetic field enables switching between electromechanical states.

The device functions as a reliable current switch and magnetic sensor.

Abstract

We investigate electron shuttling in three-terminal nanoelectromechanocal device built on a movable metallic rod oscillating between two drains. The device shows a double-well shaped electromechanical potential tunable by a source-drain bias voltage. Four stationary regimes controllable by the bias are found for this device: (i) single stable fixed point, (ii) two stable fixed points, (iii) two limiting cycles, and (iv) single limiting cycle. In the presence of perpendicular magnetic field the Lorentz force makes possible switching from one electromechanical state to another. The mechanism of tunable transitions between various stable regimes based on the interplay between voltage controlled electromechanical instability and magnetically controlled switching is suggested. The switching phenomenon is implemented for achieving both a reliable \emph{active} current switch and sensoring of small variations of magnetic field.