Nonlinear Mode Coupling and Internal Resonances in MoS2 Nanoelectromechanical System

TL;DR

This paper investigates nonlinear mode coupling and internal resonances in atomically thin MoS2 NEMS resonators, demonstrating electrical detection and actuation of multiple vibrational modes and their nonlinear interactions.

Contribution

It presents the first all-electrical actuation and detection of MoS2 resonators, revealing strong nonlinear modal coupling and internal resonances in atomically thin 2D materials.

Findings

Detected three distinct internal resonances.

Achieved electrical actuation of modes deep into nonlinear regime.

Demonstrated strong nonlinear coupling between vibrational modes.

Abstract

Atomically thin two dimensional (2D) layered materials have emerged as a new class of material for nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) due to their extraordinary mechanical properties and ultralow mass density. Among them, graphene has been the material of choice for nanomechanical resonator. However, recent interest in 2D chalcogenide compounds has also spurred research in using materials such as MoS2 for NEMS applications. As the dimensions of devices fabricated using these materials shrink down to atomically thin membrane, strain and nonlinear effects have become important. A clear understanding of nonlinear effects and the ability to manipulate them is essential for next generation sensors. Here we report on all electrical actuation and detection of few layers MoS2 resonator. The ability to electrically detect multiple modes and actuate the modes deep into nonlinear regime enables us to probe the nonlinear coupling between various vibrational modes. The modal coupling in our device is strong enough to detect three distinct internal resonances.