A symmetry-breaking electromechanical detector

摘要

The dynamical double well potential underpinning the stable oscillation phases in an electromechanical parametric resonator is manipulated via a secondary field excitation applied at the natural frequency of the oscillator. This enables symmetry to be lifted in the dynamical potential well and results in the parametric resonator oscillating with a preferred phase. The ability to break symmetry in the dynamical double well potential permits the realization of a symmetry-breaking detector which can resolve resonance frequency (f_0) shifts of δf_0/f_0 ～ 10~(-7) in a single-shot measurement.