Nanomechanical switch toward electron turnstile operation

Abstract

Linear control in nanoscale electromechanical systems is often hindered by strong nonlinear interactions and environmental sensitivity. Here, we present a nanomechanical turnstile based on a suspended cantilever with an electron island, enabling mechanically modulated electron transport. The device exhibits resonance-tuned conductance, polarity-dependent switching, and a distinct beating response arising from the linear combination of mechanical and electrical modulations. This beating serves as a clear signature of precise and linear device operation. Control experiments and finite element modeling verify the mechanical origin of the signal. Single electron-level operation may be achieved under lower temperatures and through further optimization. These results establish a robust platform for high-fidelity current modulation in next-generation nanoelectromechanical systems.