Static and Dynamic Amplification Using Strong Mechanical Coupling

Saad Ilyas, Nizar Jaber, Mohammad I. Younis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Amplifying the signal-to-noise ratio of resonant sensors is vital toward the effort to miniaturize devices into the sub-micro and nano regimes. In this paper, we demonstrate theoretically and experimentally, amplification through mechanically coupled microbeams. The device is composed of two identical clamped-clamped beams, made of polyimide, connected at their middle through a third beam, which acts as a mechanical coupler. Each of the clamped-clamped microbeams and the coupler are designed to be actuated separately, hence providing various possibilities of actuation and sensing. The coupled resonator is driven into resonance near its first resonance mode and its dynamic behavior is explored via frequency sweeps. The results show significant amplification in the resonator amplitude when the signal is measured at the midpoint of the coupler compared with the response of the individual uncoupled beams. The static pull-in characteristics of the resonator are also studied. It is shown that the compliant mechanical coupler can serve as a low-power radio frequency switch actuated at low voltage loads. [2016-0100]
Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)916-921
Number of pages6
JournalJournal of Microelectromechanical Systems
Volume25
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Jul 28 2016

Bibliographical note

KAUST Repository Item: Exported on 2020-10-01
Acknowledgements: King Abdullah University of Science and Technology

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