Mechanical Mixing in Nonlinear Nanomechanical Resonators

TL;DR

This paper explores nonlinear mechanical mixing in silicon nanomechanical resonators, demonstrating complex frequency interactions relevant for signal processing and nonlinear dynamics at nanoscales through experimental and theoretical analysis.

Contribution

It introduces the study of higher-order mechanical mixing in nanomechanical resonators operated in the nonlinear regime, combining experimental observations with theoretical models.

Findings

Rich power spectra with satellite peaks observed under dual-frequency driving

Nonlinear response matches predictions from perturbation theory and numerical simulations

Demonstrates potential for nanomechanical signal processing applications

Abstract

Nanomechanical resonators, machined out of Silicon-on-Insulator wafers, are operated in the nonlinear regime to investigate higher-order mechanical mixing at radio frequencies, relevant to signal processing and nonlinear dynamics on nanometer scales. Driven by two neighboring frequencies the resonators generate rich power spectra exhibiting a multitude of satellite peaks. This nonlinear response is studied and compared to $n^{th}$-order perturbation theory and nonperturbative numerical calculations.