Selective self-excitation of higher vibrational modes of graphene nano-ribbons and carbon nanotubes through magnetomotive instability

Abstract

We demonstrate theoretically the feasibility of selective self-excitation of higher-mode flexural vibrations of graphene nano-ribbons and carbon nanotubes by the means of magnetomotive instability. Apart from the mechanical resonator, the device consists only of a constant voltage source, an inductor, a capacitor, a gate electrode and a constant magnetic field. Numerical simluations were performed on both graphene and carbon nanotubes displaying an overall similar behaviour, but with some differences arising mainly due to the non-linear mechanical bending forces. The advantages and disadvantages of both materials are discussed.