Nonlinear mechanics with suspended nanomembranes

We study the nonlinear dynamics induced in suspended nanomembranes by their clampings. The nonlocal character of the nonlinearity is demonstrated via intermode couplings. We also monitor the resonator phase-space trajectory and characterize its mechanical response in the presence of a strong pump excitation. We observe a shift in the oscillation frequency and phase conjugation of the mechanical mode. Such nonlinear effects are inherent to any submicron-scale mechanical resonator and are expected to play a role in their quantum dynamics as well