Researchers develop high-quality nanomechanical resonators with built-in piezoelectricity
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden and at the University of Magdeburg in Germany have developed a novel type of nanomechanical resonator that combines two important features: high mechanical quality and piezoelectricity. This development could open doors to new possibilities in quantum sensing technologies. 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 pre