Work

Efficient Mapping and Tracking the Properties of Micromechanical Resonators Using Phase-Lock Loops with Closely-Spaced Frequencies

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Studying the dynamical behavior of micro- and nano-mechanical systems (MEMSs and NEMSs) is essential in various fields from nonlinear dynamics to quantum technologies. Hence, it is important to precisely monitor the mechanical properties of MEMS and NEMS devices. In this work, we show how to track and spatially map various properties of a mechanical resonator, such as frequency shift, linewidth, and nonlinearity, by appropriately selecting three closely spaced drive frequencies and using phase-locked loops. This technique tracks changes in the system quickly and efficiently, without the need for repeated frequency sweeps of the oscillator response, simply by employing three phase-locked tones.

Source: Micromachines

DOI: 10.3390/mi17020213

Authors: Agnes Zinth, Samer Houri, Menno Poot

Institutions: Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology, Technical University of Munich, IMEC

Language: English

Topic: Mechanical and Optical Resonators

Subfield: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,534

Funders: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Seventh Framework Programme