Mesoscopic physics of nanomechanical systems

Nanomechanics has brought mesoscopic physics into the world of vibrations. Because nanomechanical systems are small, fluctuations significant, vibrations become nonlinear already for comparatively small amplitudes, and new mechanisms dissipation come play. At same time, exquisite control these makes them a platform studying many problems classical quantum far from thermal equilibrium in well-characterized setting. This review describes, at conceptual level, basic theoretical ideas explicative experiments pertaining to systems. Major applications nanomechanics science technology also outlined. A broad range phenomena related conservative as well dissipative nonlinearity discussed within unifying framework. They include linear response single coupled vibrational modes effects periodic driving. Such driving breaks continuous time-translation symmetry detailed balance, with conspicuous consequences fluctuations, particularly presence driving-induced bi- multistability. Mathematical techniques described appendices streamline reading, but provide an introduction theory. The goal is show richness work. experimental advances make vibrant area research, discover.