Researchers at NIST have developed a new design for micro-scale mechanical resonators that could revolutionize timekeeping and sensing technologies. The key innovation is using phononic crystal tethers to create a high-quality factor (Q) resonator, which maintains stable oscillation over time.
The new design, fabricated at dimensions smaller than a human hair, achieves higher Q factors than ever before recorded for silicon resonators at frequencies above 100 MHz. This represents a significant improvement over conventional tether bars and approaches the fundamental limit of intrinsic dissipation for the material.
The technology could have wide-ranging applications beyond micromechanical clocks, including resonant sensors for measuring acceleration, rotation, force, and mass changes. High Q is critical for sensor sensitivity, as it improves the ability to detect changes in resonance frequency when a stimulus is applied to the resonator.
The next steps involve further optimization of the phononic crystal tethers and exploring new sensor technologies based on the high-Q resonator design. The research could lead to smaller, more accurate timekeeping devices and more sensitive sensing applications in fields like environmental monitoring and chemical analysis.
Source: https://www.nist.gov/news-events/news/2017/08/new-design-lets-micro-clock-resonators-ring-bell
Keywords: silicon resonators, phononic crystal, quality factor, resonator, micromechanical clocks
