Quartz Tuning Fork as a Parametric Resonator in High Magnetic Fields

Abstract

We present the measurements of a parametrically excited quartz tuning fork in vacuum at very low temperatures ( $$\sim 20$$ mK) and magnetic field of 1.5 Tesla. We show that if a quartz tuning fork is exposed to a high static magnetic field, the motion of the tuning fork in this field modifies its potential energy forming a time-dependent term oscillating at twice of its fundamental frequency. This phenomenon gives an opportunity to study and use the quartz tuning forks as the parametric resonators. Here, we present the technique of the parametric excitation of the quartz tuning forks, and we discuss the results of the measurements.