Weak signal enhancement by nonlinear resonance control in a forced nano-electromechanical resonator

Abstract

Driven non-linear resonators can display sharp resonances or even multistable behaviours amenable to induce strong enhancements of weak signals. Such enhancements can make use of the phenomenon of vibrational resonance, whereby a weak low-frequency signal applied to a bistable resonator can be amplified by driving the non-linear oscillator with another appropriately-adjusted non-resonant high-frequency field. Here we demonstrate experimentally and theoretically a significant resonant enhancement of a weak signal by use of a vibrational force, yet in a monostable system consisting of a driven nano-electromechanical nonlinear resonator. The oscillator is subjected to a strong quasi-resonant drive and to two additional tones: a weak signal at lower frequency and a non-resonant driving at an intermediate frequency. We analyse this phenomenon in terms of coherent nonlinear resonance manipulation. Our results illustrate a general mechanism which might have applications in the fields of microwave signal amplification or sensing for instance. Designing efficient nonlinear dynamic resonances for weak signal amplification remains a challenge. Here, the authors demonstrate a resonance manipulation strategy able to enhance weak signals in a nonlinear oscillator consisting of an optically-probed driven nano-electromechanical resonator.