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Wireless actuation of micromechanical resonators
Farrukh Mateen1, Carsten Maedler2, Shyamsunder Erramilli2
1Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Boston University, 110 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
Microsystems & Nanoengineering
|May 7, 2019
Summary
Researchers demonstrated wireless actuation of micromechanical resonators using nanowatts of power. This breakthrough enables new applications for wirelessly powered sensors and actuators, even at a distance.
Area of Science:
- Physics
- Electrical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Wireless power transfer is crucial for electronics and biomedical devices.
- Implanted devices need small wireless charging elements, achievable with micromechanical resonators.
- Quantum regime studies require ultralow-power operation, hindered by heat from wired systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate wireless actuation of micromechanical resonators at ultralow power levels.
- To explore applications in remote sensing, actuation, and quantum experiments.
- To overcome limitations of wired power in sensitive systems.
Main Methods:
- Utilized micron-sized silicon-based piezoelectric resonators.
- Achieved actuation via electric-field coupling.
- Conducted measurements of polarization, distance, and power dependence.
Main Results:
- Successfully actuated resonators with frequencies from 36 to 120 MHz.
- Operated resonators at nanowatt power levels and distances of approximately 3 feet.
- Demonstrated comprehensive dependence measurements.
Conclusions:
- Achieved unprecedented wireless actuation of micromechanical resonators at nanowatt power levels.
- This enables new applications for wireless control of sensors and actuators.
- Opens possibilities for quantum regime studies of mechanical systems.
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