Most oscillators in engineering and physics are represented by second order ODEs (for example van der Pol's equation, Duffing's equation). In the case of MEMS (= micro electro mechanical systems), there is a class of oscillators which are of third order. These are devices which are illuminated by a laser which determines the motion of the device by comparing the reflected light with original light ("interference"). At the same time the laser heats the device and affects its motion, resulting in feedback and a limit cycle.

This seminar involves a model of two identical coupled MEMS oscillators. Using perturbation methods and bifurcation software, the in-phase mode is shown
to involve a series of diverse bifurcations which affect its stability.

Work with Professor Zehnder and grad students B.Shayak and A.Bhaskar.