"Vibration spectrum of a multi-element nanomechanical structure"

Note: Condensed Matter Theory Seminar
Speaker: Jerome Dorignac, Boston University
When: April 3, 2008 (Thu), 01:30PM to 02:30PM
Location: SCI 352

We have developed a simple continuum model to analyze the vibrations
of a nanomechanical multi-element structure capable of reaching GHz
frequencies. Our analytical model captures the main
features of the vibrational modes observed both numerically and
experimentally and allows us to classify them in a simple way. Furthermore,
it predicts interesting effects related to the geometry. Our model proves
also useful for treating the nonlinear dynamics of the structure
and enables us to analyze the mechanism of anharmonic coupling
between two specific widely spaced modes of the resonator.