A hybrid graphene-siliconnitride nanomembrane as a versatile and ultra-widely tunable mechanical device

TL;DR

This paper presents a hybrid graphene-silicon nitride nanomembrane NEMS device with ultra-wide tunability and nonlinear vibrational capabilities, combining robustness and electrical controllability for advanced nanotechnology applications.

Contribution

It introduces a novel on-chip graphene/silicon nitride NEMS device with large static and dynamic tunability, enabling nonlinear operation without complex actuation systems.

Findings

Achieved ultra-wide frequency tuning via thermal expansion effects.

Demonstrated excitation of nonlinear vibrations beyond the linear regime.

Proved the device's robustness, high controllability, and fast response.

Abstract

Integration of 2D materials in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) marries the robustness of silicon-based materials with exceptional electrical controllability in 2D materials, drastically enhancing system performance which now is the key for many advanced applications in nanotechnology. Here, we experimentally demonstrate and theoretically analyze a powerful on-chip graphene integrated NEMS device consisting of a hybrid graphene/silicon-nitride membrane with metallic leads that enables an extremely large static and dynamic parameter regulation. When a static voltage is applied to the leads, the force induced by the thermal expansion difference between the leads and the membrane results in ultra-wide frequency tuning, deformation (post-buckling transition) and regulation of mechanical properties. Moreover, by injecting an alternating voltage to the leads, we can excite the resonator vibrating even far beyond its linear regime without a complex and space consuming actuation system. Our results prove that the device is a compact integrated system possessing mechanical robustness, high controllability, and fast response. It not only expands the limit of the application range of NEMS devices but also pushes multidimensional nanomechanical resonators into working in the nonlinear regime.