Holey pattern boosts coherence of nanomechanical membrane vibrations
(PHYSorg.com Nanotechnology)

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have introduced a new type of nanomechanical resonator, in which a pattern of holes localizes vibrations to a small region in a 30 nm thick membrane. The pattern dramatically suppresses coupling to random fluctuations in the environment, boosting the vibrations` coherence. The researchers` quantitative understanding and numerical models provide a versatile blueprint for ultracoherent nanomechanical devices. Among others, this enables a new generation of nanomechanical sensors to probe quantum limits of mechanical measurements, and more sensitive force microscopy. The results are published in the prestigious scientific journal, Nature Nanotechnology.