Strong Two-Mode Parametric Interaction and Amplification in a Nanomechanical Resonator

Recent research on nanomechanical resonators has shown that their mechanical motion can be controlled via the interactions between different flexural modes, in diverse structures. Strong coupling in flexural modes has been attributed to strain mediation, but further study is needed to harness the dynamics for applications. The authors use a doubly clamped resonator to demonstrate coupling between flexural modes of different parity, and then use theory to show that the thermomechanical motion of a nanomechanical resonator can be amplified with high gain. This technique could be useful for amplifying an infinitesimal signal in sensing applications.