NEMS actuator driven by electrostatic and optical force with nano-scale resolution

We experimentally demonstrate a silicon nano-wire actuator with a nano-scale resolution and tunable actuation range. The nano-scale resolution is obtained through implementing different control regulations, including coarse tuning by the electrostatic force and precision tuning by the optical force. More specially, the optical force enabled silicon nano-wire actuator can break the classical NEMS 1/3 actuation range limit, extending the actuation range to an arbitrary limit in principle. This unique approach not only provides a simple, non-intrusive solution to the tunable air gap of NEMS devices, but also presents an ultra-sensitive optical read out of the mechanical motion.