Dynamics of nonlinear coupled nanomechanical resonators

Ron LifshitSchool of Physics and Astronomy,Tel Aviv University (Currently on sabbatical leave at the California Institute of Technology) Abstract:We are studying the dynamics of nonlinear coupled oscillators,
motivated by recent experiments with arrays of micromechanical and nanomechanical resonators at Caltech and Cornell. We have obtained exact results for the parametric excitation of small arrays using secular perturbation theory [1], as well as an amplitude equation to describe the slow dynamics of the parametric excitation of large arrays [2]. I will focus on these results to explain the intricate experimentally-observed response curves, and to suggest further experiments. If time permits, I will say a few words about our model of synchronization, which is based on reactive coupling and nonlinear frequency pulling [3,4] (rather
than the more common linear dissipative models). [1] Lifshitz and Cross, PRB 67 (2003) 134302;[2] Bromberg, Cross, and Lifshitz, PRE 73 (2006) 016214;[3] Cross, Zumdieck, Lifshitz, and Rogers, PRL 93 (2004) 224101;[4] Cross, Rogers, Lifshitz, and Zumdieck, PRE 73 (2006) 036205.

Location: Stauffer Science Lecture Hall (SLH), Room 100

Audiences: Everyone Is Invited

Contact: April Mundy