Double-ended tuning fork with outrigger excitation

A method comprising:

• applying a first electric field across a portion of a first half of an piezoelectric outrigger of a double-ended tuning fork (DETF), the DETF being attached between a base and a proof mass suspended via a flexure from the base;
• applying a second electric field across a portion of a second half of the outrigger;
• and
• controlling the applied electric field at a predefined alternating frequency, thereby causing tines of the DETF to oscillate at a resonant frequency.

A system comprising:

• a means for applying a first electric field across a portion of a first half of an piezoelectric outrigger of a double-ended tuning fork (DETF), the DETF being attached between a base and a proof mass suspended via a flexure from the base;
• a means for applying a second electric field across a portion of a second half of the outrigger;
• and
• a means for controlling the applied electric field at a predefined alternating frequency, thereby causing tines of the DETF to oscillate at a resonant frequency.