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Radio-Wave Oscillations of Molecular-Chain Resonators

Stefan Müllegger, Mohammad Rashidi, Karlheinz Mayr, Michael Fattinger, Andreas Ney, and Reinhold Koch
Phys. Rev. Lett. 112, 117201 – Published 17 March 2014
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Abstract

We report a new type of nanomechanical resonator system based on one-dimensional chains of only 4 to 7 weakly coupled small molecules. Experimental characterization of the truly nanoscopic resonators is achieved by means of a novel radio-frequency scanning tunneling microscopy detection technique at cryogenic temperatures. Above 20 K we observe concerted oscillations of the individual molecules in chains, reminiscent of the first and second eigenmodes of a one-dimensional harmonic resonator. Radio-frequency scanning tunneling microscopy based frequency measurement reveals a characteristic length dependence of the oscillation frequency (between 51 and 127 MHz) in reasonable agreement with one-dimensional oscillator models. Our study demonstrates a new strategy for investigating and controlling the resonance properties of nanomechanical oscillators.

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  • Received 20 December 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.112.117201

© 2014 American Physical Society

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Tuning in to the Smallest (Man-Made) Mechanical Resonator

Published 17 March 2014

Molecules self-assemble to form tiny oscillating cantilevers that could be used to sense single atoms or molecules.

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Authors & Affiliations

Stefan Müllegger*, Mohammad Rashidi, Karlheinz Mayr, Michael Fattinger, Andreas Ney, and Reinhold Koch

  • Institute of Semiconductor and Solid State Physics, Johannes Kepler University Linz, 4040 Linz, Austria

  • *stefan.muellegger@jku.at

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Issue

Vol. 112, Iss. 11 — 21 March 2014

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