Self-oscillations in field emission nanowire mechanical resonators: a nanometric dc-ac conversion

Nano Lett. 2007 Aug;7(8):2252-7. doi: 10.1021/nl070742r. Epub 2007 Jul 4.

Abstract

We report the observation of self-oscillations in a bottom-up nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) during field emission driven by a constant applied voltage. An electromechanical model is explored that explains the phenomenon and that can be directly used to develop integrated devices. In this first study, we have already achieved approximately 50% dc/ac (direct to alternating current) conversion. Electrical self-oscillations in NEMS open up a new path for the development of high-speed, autonomous nanoresonators and signal generators and show that field emission (FE) is a powerful tool for building new nanocomponents.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Electric Wiring / instrumentation*
  • Electromagnetic Fields*
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Nanostructures / ultrastructure
  • Nanotechnology / instrumentation*
  • Nanotechnology / methods
  • Nanotubes / chemistry*
  • Oscillometry / instrumentation*
  • Oscillometry / methods
  • Particle Size
  • Transducers*
  • Vibration