Visualizing nonlinear resonance in nanomechanical systems via single-electron tunneling

Numerous reports have elucidated the importance of mechanical resonators comprising quantum-dot-embedded carbon nanotubes (CNTs) for studying the effects of single-electron transport. However, there is a need to investigate the single-electron transport that drives a large amplitude into a nonlinear regime. Herein, a CNT hybrid device has been investigated, which comprises a gate-defined quantum dot that is embedded into a mechanical resonator under strong actuation conditions. The Coulomb peak positions synchronously oscillate with the mechanical vibrations, enabling a single-electron “chopper” mode. Conversely, the vibration amplitude of the CNT versus its frequency can be directly visualized via detecting the time-averaged single-electron tunneling current. To understand this phenomenon, a general formula is derived for this time-averaged single-electron tunneling current, which agrees well with the experimental results. By using this visualization method, a variety of nonlinear motions of a CNT mechanical oscillator have been directly recorded, such as Duffing nonlinearity, parametric resonance, and double-, fractional-, mixed- frequency excitations. This approach opens up burgeoning opportunities for investigating and understanding the nonlinear motion of a nanomechanical system and its interactions with electron transport in quantum regimes.