Non-linear dynamics of a nanomechanical resonator due to single-electron tunneling

Back action is an inescapable consequence of coupling between two physical degrees of freedom. In carbon nanotubes, mechanical motion and single-electron tunnelling in a quantum dot can be coupled in the ultrastrong regime, causing non-linear dynamics of the hybrid electromechanical system[1]. We probe the effect of these non-linearities under strong driving and observe the effects induced on the mechanical motion. The back action from the mechanical motion alters the electronic state of the quantum dot, observed as changes in the line shape of the mechanical resonance. We explore the behaviour for different parameters and develop a model to account for the non-linearities of this hybrid system.

[1] Vigneau, et. al., Phys. Rev. Research 4, 043168