Skip to content

High-quality nanomechanical resonators with built-in piezoelectricity

Closeup of nanomechanical resonator

Mechanical resonators have been used for centuries for a multitude of applications. A key aspect of these devices is their ability to vibrate at specific frequencies. A well-known example is the tuning fork. When struck, the tuning fork oscillates at its resonance frequency, producing a sound wave within our hearing range. With advancements in microfabrication techniques, researchers have been able to shrink mechanical resonators down to the micro- and nanometer scale. At these tiny sizes, resonators oscillate at much higher frequencies and exhibit a greater sensitivity compared to their macroscopic counterparts.

“These properties make them useful in precision experiments, for example for sensing minuscule forces or mass changes. Recently, nanomechanical resonators have raised significant interest among quantum physicists due to their potential use in quantum technologies. For example, the use of quantum states of motion would improve the sensitivity of nanomechanical resonators even further,” says Witlef Wieczorek, Professor of Physics at Chalmers University of Technology and project leader of the study.

A common requirement for these applications is that nanomechanical resonators need to sustain their oscillation for long times without losing their energy. This ability is quantified by the mechanical quality factor. A large mechanical quality factor also implies that the resonator exhibits enhanced sensitivity and that quantum states of motion live longer. These properties are highly sought after in sensing and quantum technology applications.

Highlights and events

Meeting Closeup image with sharp green light
2025 03 19
Myfab

April 8-9: Nordic Nanolab Network (NNN)

Read more
Person in protective gear smiling while sitting down in front of a machine control panel
2025 03 06
Myfab Chalmers , Myfab KTH , Myfab Lund , Myfab Uppsala

Myfab labs receive funding to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem

Read more
Event Bologna, Italy from above with information about ENRIS 2025: 13-15 May 2025
2025 02 06
Myfab

May 13-15: ENRIS, Bologna

Read more
Closeup of component used in quantum computers
2025 01 10
Myfab Chalmers

Quantum fridge enables reliable quantum computers

Read more
See all highlights