Tuning the flexural frequency of overhang-/T-shaped microcantilevers for high harmonics

TL;DR

This paper demonstrates how tuning the length of overhang-/T-shaped microcantilevers can effectively generate high-harmonic frequencies, enhancing precision detection capabilities in various applications.

Contribution

It introduces a method to tune high-harmonic frequencies in microcantilevers by adjusting the clamped position, enabling higher mode excitation and improved detection sensitivity.

Findings

Multiple high-harmonic frequencies achieved from 4th to 26th order.

Analytical calculations align with experimental results.

Overhang parameters significantly influence high-harmonic behavior.

Abstract

High-harmonic (HH) frequencies in microcantilever impose several applications in precision detection thanks to the higher sensitivity of the higher modes in comparison to the fundamental modes. In this study, we showed that by tuning the cantilever length via changing the clamped position, the dimensional ratio of the overhang to the main cantilever part is altered and the HHs could be effectively obtained. Multiple HH frequencies have been achieved, from 4th to 8th order of the second- and from 11th to 26th order of the third-mechanical mode versus the first mode, and these orders are much higher if higher modes are used. The analytical calculation is in agreement with available results of other groups. HH behavior when the cantilever is interaction with sample is also examined and is strongly depending on the overhang parameters. These results could guide the experimentalist in the tuning and controlling of the HHs in detecting objects.