Optimizing the dynamical behavior of a dual-frequency parametric amplifier with quadratic and cubic nonlinearities

The paper describes a novel parametric excitation scheme that acts as a tunable amplifier by controlling two pumping signals and two nonlinear feedback terms. By modulating the stiffness of a mechanical oscillator with a digital signal processor, low-frequency inputs are projected onto a higher resonance frequency, thus exploiting the natural selective filtering of such structures. Described is an optimized dual-term nonlinear stiffness resonator that enhances the input signal level and the sensitivity to changes in both amplitude and phase, while limiting the obtained response to desired levels. This amplifier is geared to cases when the frequency of the input is known or measurable, like in rotating structures, while the amplitude and phase are too weak to be detected without amplification. It is shown that by tuning the cubic and quadratic feedback terms, the amplifier benefits from a nearly linear response behavior, while exploiting the benefits of nonlinear and pumping signal enhancements.