Nanoscale Electric Field Sensing Using Levitated Nano-resonator with Net Charge

Abstract

Nanomechanical resonator based on levitated particle exhibits unique advantages in the development of ultrasensitive electric field detector. We demonstrate a three-dimensional, high-sensitivity electric field measurement technology using the optically levitated nanoparticle with a known net charge. By changing the relative position between nanoparticle and parallel electrodes, the three-dimensional electric field distribution is scanned. The measured noise equivalent electric intensity with charge amount of 100 reaches the order of {\rm{1\mu V/cm/H}}{{\rm{z}}^{{\rm{1/2}}}} at 1.4 \times {10^{ - 7}}mbar. Linearity analysis near resonance frequency shows a measured linear range over 91dB limited only by the maximum output voltage of the driving equipment. This work may provide avenue for developing a high-sensitive electric field sensor based on optically levitated nano-resonator.