Multidimensional optomechanical cantilevers for high-frequency force sensing

High-frequency atomic force microscopy has enabled extraordinary new science through large bandwidth, high-speed measurements of atomic and molecular structures. However, traditional optical detection schemes restrict the dimensions, and therefore the frequency, of the cantilever—ultimately setting a limit to the time resolution of experiments. Here we demonstrate optomechanical detection of low-mass, high-frequency nanomechanical cantilevers (up to 20 MHz) and anticipate their use for single-molecule force measurements. These cantilevers achieve 2 fm Hz − 1 / 2 ?> displacement noise floors, and force sensitivity down to 132 aN Hz − 1 / 2 ?> . Furthermore, the ability to resolve both in-plane and out-of-plane motion of our cantilevers makes them excellent candidates for ultrasensitive multidimensional force spectroscopy, and optomechanical interactions, such as tuning of the cantilever frequency in situ, provide opportunities in high-speed, high-resolution experiments.