Synchronization of micromechanical oscillators using light

Phys Rev Lett. 2012 Dec 7;109(23):233906. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.109.233906. Epub 2012 Dec 5.

Abstract

Synchronization, the emergence of spontaneous order in coupled systems, is of fundamental importance in both physical and biological systems. We demonstrate the synchronization of two dissimilar silicon nitride micromechanical oscillators, that are spaced apart by a few hundred nanometers and are coupled through an optical cavity radiation field. The tunability of the optical coupling between the oscillators enables one to externally control the dynamics and switch between coupled and individual oscillation states. These results pave a path toward reconfigurable synchronized oscillator networks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Light
  • Models, Theoretical*
  • Optical Devices
  • Oscillometry / instrumentation
  • Oscillometry / methods*