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Poking a Nanostring: Scientists Uncover Energy Cascades in Tiny Resonators

Scientists at TU Delft have engineered a nanostring that channels vibrational energy from its fundamental mode into higher-order modes, creating an internal cascade that reaches the fifth mode. The effect relies on a soft‑clamping design that lets the string flex rather than rigidly fixed, preventing immediate energy loss to the environment. This multi‑mode behavior was captured in Physical Review Letters and demonstrates a new way to manipulate nanomechanical resonators. Researchers anticipate the discovery will enable ultra‑sensitive, single‑device sensors that traditionally require multiple components.