Mechanical systems at the nanoscale

This thesis describes experiments that were done with a wide range of nano(electro)mechanical systems (NEMS). These devices are promising candidates to study mechanics in the quantum regime. The experiments range from AFM measurements on few-layer graphene nanodrums, electrical detection of flexural modes of suspended carbon nanotubes both at...

Nanoscale mechanical resonators and oscillators

In this thesis the physics of nanoscale mechanical resonators and oscillators is studied. We discuss two types of resonators. First, a top-down fabricated doubly clamped beam resonator with an integrated piezoelectric actuator is introduced. The second type of resonators are based on layered two-dimensional materials, such as graphene and...

Higher-order phenomena in nanomechanics of two-dimensional material membranes

This thesis studies higher-order material properties* and effects in van der Waals crystals, such as anisotropic Young’s modulus, magnetostriction, and non-trivial thermal expansion effects near magnetic and electronic phase transitions, that can affect the nanomechanical motion ofmultilayer two-dimensional (2D) material membranes. These...

Dynamics of interacting graphene membranes

Micro and nanomechanical sensors are indispensable in modern consumer electronics, automotive and medical industries. Gas pressure sensors are currently the most widespread membrane-based micromechanical sensors. By reducing their size, their unit costs and energy consumption drops, making them more attractive for integration in new applications...

Nonlinear coupling and dissipation in two-dimensional resonators

Micro and nanomechanical resonators are essential to the state-of-the-art communication, data processing, timekeeping, and sensing systems. The discovery of graphene and other two-dimensional (2D) materials has been a profound source of inspiration for the next generation of these devices, owing to their exceptional mechanical, electrical, and...