Scientists have achieved power free frequency adjustment for the first time using nanomaterials

2024-01-15

Using a new type of nanomaterial, researchers have proposed the first power free frequency adjustment since the invention of radio. This paper, written by researchers from the University of Oxford and the University of Pennsylvania, was recently published in Nature Communications.

Matching the frequency of the transmitter and receiver is crucial for telecommunications technology. This situation occurs when the receiver and transmitter are tuned to the same frequency channel. In today's widely used communication networks, the ability to reliably synthesize many frequencies and quickly transition from one frequency to another is crucial to achieve seamless connections.

The author of this study came up with a different method for tuning resonator frequencies. Their method is completely different from the usual method of using mechanical stress on nanorings, just like the application of string buttons in guitar tuning. The latter translates to more electricity consumption because voltage is needed to maintain tension.

In this study, researchers used vibrating nanorings of calcified glass that resonated at a predetermined frequency. The frequency of these resonators is adjusted by switching the atomic structure of the material, which changes the mechanical hardness of the material.

Nanowires initially had a crystalline structure, which means high stiffness. This will generate a higher resonant frequency. By sending electrical pulses, the crystal structure is changed to an amorphous state. This means lower stiffness, resulting in lower resonance frequencies. By using another electrical pulse, the atomic structure can be switched back to its original crystal state. Once the crystal structure changes, this state can be maintained at room temperature for several years. This means no power tuning.

Not only without a power source. Thisalso super fast. Utku Emre Ali, who completed this study as part of his doctoral research, explained that by changing the way atoms in these glasses bind, the Young's modulus (a measure of hardness) can be changed at a rate of several nanoseconds. In fact, this will directly affect the vibration frequency of the nanoring.

Professor Harish Bhaskaran, who led the work, explained that this study has developed a new framework where the mechanical properties of the functional materials used can be altered through electrical pulses.

According to the engineer's estimate, this method may be one million times more efficient and 10 to 100 times faster than commercial frequency synthesizers. These preliminary results may indicate higher data rates and long-lasting batteries in the future.

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