IFN observes Nanotree Vibrations under Irradiation
The Institute for Functional Nanomaterials (IFN) has recently observed the response of a carbon nanotree under a non-uniform electron beam irradiation. By moving the focused e-beam the tree's branches move under the influence of the varying forces between the e-beam and the charged tree. Subsequently the e-beam is focused in such a way that the right hand side branch starts to oscillate. A possible explanation of this behavior is that when the branch is within the boundary of the e-beam region a charge-discharge process takes place that promotes the oscillation of the branch. The maximum oscillation amplitude is obtained when the oscillation frequency is within the resonance conditions.
These observations about the mechanical properties of the nanotrees confirm their applicability as nanoresonators. A nanoresonator can be used for the detection of very minute masses. It is expected that the resonance frequency of a typical nanoresonator will shift about a Hertz when masses of the order of 10-18 grams become attached to it. It is expected that nanoresonator devices will be able of detecting masses of the order of femtograms.
