Speaker: Prof Akshay Naik, Professor, CeNSE, IISc.

Title: "Nano Mechanics: Sensors, Nonlinear Systems, and Quantum Interfaces"

Date: Friday, 8th May 2026 - Time: 4 PM

Hi Tea & Coffee: 5 PM

Venue: CeNSE Seminar Hall

Abstract:

Mechanical resonators are widely used for sensing due to their responsiveness to various physical 
stimuli. Their performance in the linear regime is limited by thermomechanical noise and nonlinear 
effects which defines the sensing window. In this talk, I will show how nonlinearity, rather than 
being a constraint, can be understood and engineered to control system response. In particular, 
nonlinear interactions give rise to coupling between vibrational modes, leading to energy exchange 
and rich dynamical phenomena. I will then discuss how such mode coupling can be used in hybrid systems, 
where mechanical resonators act as intermediaries for transduction between different physical domains, 
with potential applications in quantum technologies.

Biography:

Akshay Naik is a faculty member at CeNSE, IISc Bengaluru, working at the intersection of nonlinear 
dynamics, and quantum technologies. His research focuses on NEMS and optomechanical systems, exploring 
how nonlinear effects and mode coupling can be engineered for enhanced sensing, signal processing and 
quantum applications.

Host Faculty:  Prof. Vini Gautam