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Updated: May 2, 2026

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Simulation, Fabrication and Characterization of THz Metamaterial Absorbers
Published on: December 27, 2012
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Three-dimensional broadband omnidirectional acoustic ground cloak
Nature Materials
|March 11, 2014
Summary
Engineers created a 3D acoustic device using metamaterials to control sound. This device makes a large region of space acoustically invisible, advancing transformation acoustics.
Area of Science:
- Acoustics and Materials Science
- Transformation Acoustics
- Metamaterials Engineering
Background:
- Controlling sound propagation and reflection is crucial for acoustic system design.
- Transformation acoustics and metamaterials offer new possibilities for sound manipulation.
- Ideal material parameters for transformation acoustics are experimentally challenging to achieve.
Discussion:
- This study demonstrates a 3D, broadband, and omnidirectional acoustic device.
- The device renders a region of space three wavelengths in diameter invisible to sound.
- Experimental realization of transformation acoustics devices has been limited to 2D configurations.
Key Insights:
- Successfully designed and experimentally characterized a 3D acoustic invisibility device.
- Achieved near-perfect acoustic cloaking over a broad frequency range.
- The device operates omnidirectionally, a significant advancement in acoustic control.
Outlook:
- This work paves the way for advanced acoustic cloaking and manipulation technologies.
- Potential applications in noise reduction, acoustic sensing, and advanced architectural acoustics.
- Further research can explore scaling and refining these 3D acoustic devices.
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