Work

Enhanced Q-factor in microcantilevers using stiffened inertial amplifiers

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Microcantilevers are widely employed in sensing applications because they are highly sensitive to changes in vibrational frequency. The Q-factor, a measure of the effectiveness of energy storage in resonant systems, is a crucial parameter that directly influences the sensitivity and performance of microcantilevers. Conventional approaches to improving the Q-factor by choosing certain materials or making changes to the shape have notable practical and economic constraints. This study introduces a new method that utilizes reinforced inertial amplifiers to significantly improve the Q-factor of microcantilevers. We introduce three setups: the standard amplifier, the compound amplifier, and the nested amplifier, each specifically engineered to enhance the system’s effective inertia. According to theoretical modeling, all arrangements enhance the Q-factor, with the nested design resulting in an impressive amplification of over 3000. These findings present a scalable technique to improve the sensitivity of microcantilevers, offering a potential approach for future experimental verification and utilization in precision sensing technologies.

Source: Journal of Applied Physics

DOI: 10.1063/5.0237524

Authors: Sondipon Adhikari, Sudip Chowdhury

Institution: University of Glasgow

Language: English

Topic: Advanced MEMS and NEMS Technologies

Subfield: Electrical and Electronic Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,500

Funder: University of Glasgow