Macroscopic quantum effects in a strongly driven nanomechanical resonator

TL;DR

This paper explores quantum effects in a strongly driven nanomechanical resonator, revealing resonances and tunneling phenomena that differ from classical predictions, using a quantum master equation approach.

Contribution

It demonstrates the presence of quantum resonances and tunneling in a nonlinear nanomechanical resonator under strong driving, highlighting quantum effects absent in classical models.

Findings

Identification of quantum resonances in nonlinear response

Observation of resonant multi-phonon excitations

Detection of resonant tunneling in a bistable potential

Abstract

We investigate the nonlinear response of a vibrating suspended nanomechanical beam on external periodic driving. The amplitude of the fundamental transverse mode behaves thereby like a weakly damped quantum particle in a driven anharmonic potential. Upon using a Born-Markovian master equation, we calculate the fundamental mode amplitude for varying driving frequencies. In the nonlinear regime, we observe resonances which are absent in the corresponding classical model. They are shown to be associated with resonant multi-phonon excitations. Furthermore, we identify resonant tunneling in a dynamically induced bistable effective potential.