This nanoscale exploratory research (NER) project centers around the development of high frequency nano-electro-mechanical (NEMS) resonators using carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are ideal for NEMS due to their high strength, high elastic modulus, high thermal conductivity, low density, and ability to be synthesized with different lengths and diameters. The proposed resonators are fabricated by aligning single wall carbon nanotubes on nano-lithographically patterned substrates creating a doubly clamped resonating structure, with expected resonance frequencies greater than 1 GHz. If successful, the project will lead to the development of sensors for precise detection of extremely small forces, displacements, masses, and chemical molecules. Creation of efficient antennas much smaller than a wavelength by using the mechanical resonance to accelerate charges can create a new approach for designing antenna arrays for future military, space, and wireless applications. The educational impacts of the project stem from the interdisciplinary nature of this research that involves nanotechnology, electromagnetics, and molecular structural mechanics, thereby creating a new area called "Nano-Electromagnetics". A graduate course on NEMS, utilization of undergraduate research programs, and collaborative opportunities between academic and industrial researchers are expected to create excellent awareness of and access to this new technology.
