Realization of parametric resonances in a nanowire mechanical system with nanomanipulation inside a scanning electron microscope

We realize parametric resonances in a nanowire mechanical system using an oscillating electric field. Resonances at drive frequencies near 2 f(0)/n, where f(0) is the nanowire's fundamental resonance frequency, for n from 1 to 4 were observed inside a scanning electron microscope, and analyzed. Such resonances were found to originate from the amplitude-dependent electric field force acting on the nanowire and can be described by the Mathieu equation, which has known regions of instability in the parameter space.