Young's modulus and indirect morphological analysis of Bi₂Se₃ nanoribbons by resonance measurements

An electrostatically induced resonance behaviour of individual topological insulator Bi₂Se₃ nanoribbons grown by a catalyst free vapour-solid synthesis was studied in situ by scanning electron microscopy. It was demonstrated that the relation between the resonant frequencies of vibrations in orthogonal planes can be applied to distinguish the nanoribbons with rectangular cross-sections from the nanoribbons having step-like morphology (terraces). The average Young's modulus of the Bi₂Se₃ nanoribbons with rectangular cross-sections was found to be 44 ± 4 GPa.