Phonon waveguides for electromechanical circuits

Area of Science:

• Physics
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) are crucial for sensors and quantum mechanics research.
• Integrating multiple NEMS components mechanically remains a significant challenge.
• Current integration methods often rely on electrical or optical means.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a purely mechanical method for integrating NEMS resonators.
• To create a phonon waveguide capable of guiding mechanical vibrations.
• To demonstrate control over mechanical vibrations within NEMS circuits.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a one-dimensional array of suspended membranes acting as a phonon waveguide.
• Experimental demonstration of mechanical vibration propagation through the waveguide.
• Introduction of a phonon bandgap via periodic membrane arrangement.
• Integration of a phonon cavity within the waveguide for dynamic switching.

Main Results:

• The phonon waveguide successfully supports and guides mechanical vibrations.
• A phonon bandgap was engineered, allowing control over phonon propagation velocity.
• Dynamic switching and transfer of mechanical vibrations between the waveguide and cavity were achieved.
• Demonstrated waveguide-resonator coupling for mobile mechanical vibrations.

Conclusions:

• The developed phonon waveguide offers a purely mechanical integration solution for NEMS.
• The architecture supports essential components for realizing all-phononic NEMS circuits.
• This approach advances the integration capabilities of NEMS for complex functionalities.