The article discusses a new type of mechanical resonator, specifically a silicon nitride (SiN) oscillator, that has been patented by NIST. This resonator offers several advantages over traditional quartz oscillators, including a higher Q-frequency product, improved robustness to aging and packaging, and better performance in various applications.
The SiN oscillator consists of two main components that work together to provide these benefits. It is particularly well-suited for replacing quartz crystals in various industries, as more than two billion quartz oscillators are produced annually for use in watches, clocks, electronic circuits, and test and measurement equipment.
Additionally, the acoustically protected SiN resonator is an enabling element for interfacing optical-to-electrical signal transduction, particularly in emerging quantum technologies. The SiN vibrating membrane has high tensile stress and a periodic support structure that provides acoustic isolation, making it compatible with electrical and optical circuits.
This innovation has significant implications for quantum-based sensing, quantum information, and time and frequency applications. The advanced features of the SiN oscillator position it to replace traditional quartz crystals in various industries, including calibration, electronics, manufacturing, precision measurements, and more.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/tpo/patent-month-june-2020
Keywords: Quantum technologies, Sensing, Metrology, Oscillators, Silicon Nitride (SiN)
