Precision calibration of the duffing oscillator with phase control

The nonlinear extension of the harmonic oscillator, the so-​called Duffing oscillator, plays an outstanding role in science and technology. Hence, in our recent work we study more precise calibration methods for nonlinear harmonic oscillators by phase control. Experimentally, the system parameters are determined by a measurement of its response to an external excitation. The well-​known bistability leaves part of the full response function unobserved, which usually limits the precise measurement of the system parameters. By actively stabilizing the oscillator’s phase we map out the full response function. Our results are particularly important for characterizing nanoscale nonlinear resonators, which hold great promise for next generation of ultrasensitive force and mass measurements.