Sideband attraction via internal resonance in a multimode membrane as a mechanism for frequency combs

Abstract

We explore self-induced parametric coupling between a driven (low frequency) and an undriven (high frequency) mode, also called internal resonances, in a membrane micromechanical system. Specifically, we focus on the formation of a limit cycle (LC) manifesting as a phononic frequency comb. As the LC formation involves a Hopf bifurcation, we developed a dedicated pump-noisy-probe technique to investigate which mechanical sidebands merge at the bifurcation. We reveal that the sideband of the driven lower mode is up-converted via a cross-Duffing nonlinearity to hybridize with the undriven high mode. When the up-conversion is initially red detuned relative to the high mode, significant squeezing and bimodality in the high mode occurs. Crucially, only when the up-converted sideband is initially blue detuned relative to the high mode, the sideband is attracted to the high mode and merges to form the Hopf bifurcation. This process delineates the microscopic origin of frequency comb formation. Our study reveals a key instability mechanism in driven nonlinear systems with implications for advanced sensing technologies and phononic metamaterials.