Frequency Entrainment for Micromechanical Oscillator

Abstract

We demonstrate synchronization of laser-induced self-sustained vibrations of radio-frequency micromechanical resonators by applying a small pilot signal either as an inertial drive at the natural frequency of the resonator or by modulating the stiffness of the oscillator at double the natural frequency. By sweeping the pilot signal frequency, we demonstrate that the entrainment zone is hysteretic and can be as wide as 4% of the natural frequency of the resonator, 400 times the 1/Q ;1024 half-width of the resonant peak. Possible applications are discussed based on the wide range of frequency tuning and the power gain provided by the large amplitude of self-oscillations (controlled by a small pilot signal).

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 18, 2003
Accession Number
ADA447735

Entities

People

  • A. T. Zehnder
  • B. H. Houston
  • H. G. Craighead
  • K. L. Aubin
  • M. Pandey
  • M. Zalalutdinov
  • R. H. Rand

Organizations

  • Cornell University

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amplitude
  • Boundaries
  • Engineering
  • Entrainment
  • Frequency
  • Helium Neon Lasers
  • Laser Beams
  • Lasers
  • Materials
  • Microelectromechanical Systems
  • Military Research
  • Modulators
  • Oscillation
  • Oscillators
  • Radio Frequency
  • Resonant Frequency
  • Vibration

Fields of Study

  • Engineering
  • Physics

Readers

  • Control Systems Engineering.
  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).
  • Thermal Physics or Thermal Science.

Technology Areas

  • Directed Energy