MEMS-EYE: A M/NEMS platform for the investigation of multi-physical and complex nonlinear systems

The ultimate goal of this research proposal is the creation of a micro-optomechanical intelligence. The proposal centers on the development and investigation of very large-scale integrated (VLSI) arrays of coupled M/NEMS devices as platforms for the experimental study of nonlinear dynamics of high-dimensional systems. The potential of VLSI M/NEMS arrays to function as advanced sensors will be demonstrated through the novel idea of a MEMS EYE, an electronics-free platform that combines imaging and pattern recognition functionality

Switching from primary to subharmonic resonances in nonlinear systems

editorial reviewedThis work proposes a simple method to switch between the primary and subharmonic resonances of nonlinear systems. For a primary resonance harmonically excited at a specific forcing amplitude, there exists another forcing amplitude at an integer multiple of the fundamental frequency allowing for the excitation of the corresponding subharmonic resonance having the same amplitude and frequency. Using an energy analysis, it is possible to determine the necessary forcing amplitude change to switch to the targeted subharmonic resonance. The proposed method is numerically illustrated with a transition from a 1:1 to a 1:3 resonance of a Duffing oscillator

Colorimetry technique for scalable characterization of suspended graphene

Previous statistical studies on the mechanical properties of chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) suspended graphene membranes have been performed by means of measuring individual devices or with techniques that affect the material. Here, we present a colorimetry technique as a parallel, non-invasive, and affordable way of characterizing suspended graphene devices. We exploit Newton rings interference patterns to study the deformation of a double-layer graphene drum 13.2 micrometer in diameter when a pressure step is applied. By studying the time evolution of the deformation, we find that filling the drum cavity with air is 2-5 times slower than when it is purged

High-frequency stochastic switching of graphene resonators near room temperature

Stochastic switching between the two bistable states of a strongly driven mechanical resonator enables detection of weak signals based on probability distributions, in a manner that mimics biological systems. However, conventional silicon resonators at the microscale require a large amount of fluctuation power to achieve a switching rate in the order of a few Hertz. Here, we employ graphene membrane resonators of atomic thickness to achieve a stochastic switching rate of 7.8 kHz, which is 200 times faster than current state-of-the-art. The (effective) temperature of the fluctuations is approximately 400 K, which is 3000 times lower than the state-of-the-art. This shows that these membranes are potentially useful to transduce weak signals in the audible frequency domain. Furthermore, we perform numerical simulations to understand the transition dynamics of the resonator and derive simple analytical expressions to investigate the relevant scaling parameters that allow high-frequency, low-temperature stochastic switching to be achieved in mechanical resonators

The Impact of Externally Applied Mechanical Stress on Analog and RF Performances of SOI MOSFETs, Journal of Telecommunications and Information Technology, 2009, nr 4

This paper presents a complete study of the impact of mechanical stress on the performance of SOI MOSFETs. This investigation includes dc, analog and RF characteristics. Parameters of a small-signal equivalent circuit are also ex- tracted as a function of applied mechanical stress. Piezoresistance coefficientis shown to be a key element in describing the enhancement in the characteristics of the device due to mechanical stress