Optoelectrical Nanomechanical Resonators Made from Multilayered Two-Dimensional Materials

Abstract

Studies involving nanomechanical motion have evolved from the detection and understanding of its fundamental aspects to its promising practical utility as an integral component of hybrid systems. The nanomechanical resonators’ indispensable role as transducers between optical and microwave fields in hybrid systems, such as quantum communications interfaces, have elevated their importance in recent years. It is therefore crucial to determine which among the family of nanomechanical resonators is more suitable for this role. Most of the studies revolve around nanomechanical resonators of ultrathin structures because of their inherently large mechanical amplitude due to their very low mass. Here, we argue that the underutilized nanomechanical resonators made from multilayered two-dimensional (2D) materials are the better fit for this role because of their comparable electrostatic tunability and potential for larger optomechanical responsivity. To show this, we first demonstrate the electrostatic tunability of mechanical modes of a multilayered nanomechanical resonator made from graphite. We also show that the optimal values of optomechanical responsivities are obtained for multilayered devices, particularly when the Fabry–Perot gap is close to half the detection wavelength. Finally, by using the multilayered model and comparing this device with the reported ones, we find that the electrostatic tunability of devices of intermediate thickness is not significantly lower than that of ultrathin ones. Together with the practicality in terms of fabrication ease and design predictability, we contend that multilayered 2D nanomechanical resonators are the optimal choice for the electromagnetic interface in integrated quantum systems.