The direct detection and exploitation of optical forces in an integrated silicon photonic circuit that contains a nanomechanical resonator is reported. This nanomechanical device, which is a freestanding, vibrating waveguide, is driven by a laser diode and its motion can be read-out through evanescent coupling of the light through the waveguide to the dielectric substrate. This demonstration uncovers a new optical force that enables all-optical operation of nanomechanical systems on a CMOS compatible platform.
- Mo Li
- W. H. P. Pernice
- H. X. Tang
