Self-excitation of electro-mechanical resonators: nanomechanical transistor

In recent times MEMS and NEMS technologies open new perspectives in modelling mechanical phenomena. In particular, interaction between electrical and mechanical forces determines new scenarios in the field of self-excitation, chaotic dynamics and stability. This paper describes a physical and mathematical model of a novel conceived computer component: the nanomechanical transistor. It is able to work through a DC pilot voltage. Its mechanical working principle involves coupled nanopillars vibrating between electrodes, providing a mechanical shuttling mechanism for electric charge transport. These vibrations are controlled by elastic and electrostatic forces in a way intriguing dynamic regimes are detected. The theory here presented has a general character and is an attempt to build a model that keeps for those multiphysics phenomena (electro-mechanical with presence of quantum effects) so frequently met in nanotechnology and not yet fitted into a systematic frame.