Frequency transitions in phononic four-wave mixing

TL;DR

This paper investigates frequency transitions in phononic four-wave mixing, revealing a selective mechanism and transition between two frequency combs, with implications for phononic computing applications.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of the behavior when both drive tones can independently excite the sub-harmonic phonon mode, uncovering a unique frequency transition mechanism.

Findings

Only one frequency comb mechanism is selected in the process.

A transition occurs between two different frequency combs.

Potential applications in phononic computing are identified.

Abstract

This work builds upon the recent demonstration of a phononic four-wave mixing (FWM) pathway mediated by parametric resonance. In such a process, drive tones f_d1 and f_d2 associated with a specific phonon mode interact such that one of the drive tones also parametrically excites a second mode at a sub-harmonic frequency and such interactions result in a frequency comb f_d1/2 +/- n(f_d1-f_d2 ). However, the specific behaviour associated with the case where both drive tones can independently excite the sub-harmonic phonon mode has not been studied or previously described. While it may be possible to expect the merger of two frequency combs f_d1/2 +/- n(f_d1-f_d2 ) and f_d2/2 +/- n(f_d1-f_d2 ), this paper indicates that only one of these mechanisms is selected and also shows an interesting transition linked to this process. Such frequency transitions from f_d1/2 +/- n(f_d1-f_d2 ) to f_d2/2 +/- n(f_d1-f_d2 ) holds potential promise for computing applications.