Nonreciprocal Acoustic Devices with Asymmetric Peierls Phases

Area of Science:

• Acoustics
• Condensed Matter Physics
• Quantum Mechanics

Background:

• Nonreciprocity in acoustics is crucial for applications but existing methods (nonlinear media, moving fluids, time modulation) have drawbacks like large size, high power consumption, and integration difficulties.
• Conventional approaches to acoustic nonreciprocity often rely on non-Hermiticity or time-reversal symmetry breaking, limiting device design and performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a novel framework for designing nonreciprocal acoustic devices using controllable asymmetric Peierls phases.
• To demonstrate the feasibility of creating compact, integrable, and high-performance nonreciprocal acoustic devices.

Main Methods:

• Utilizing asymmetric Peierls phases, controlled via active acoustic components, within a Hamiltonian theory framework.
• Developing non-Hermitian extensions of acoustic isolators, gyrators, and circulators.
• Analyzing the relationship between transmission phases, Peierls phases, and gauge-invariant Aharonov-Bohm phases.

Main Results:

• A general approach to designing nonreciprocal acoustic devices based on fully controllable Peierls phases is presented.
• High-performance acoustic isolators, gyrators, and circulators are realized, overcoming limitations of Hermiticity and passivity.
• The physics of transmission phases in isolators, phase delays in gyrators, and transmission behavior in circulators are explained through Peierls and Aharonov-Bohm phases.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework offers a versatile method for engineering compact and integrable nonreciprocal acoustic devices.
• The study reveals fundamental physics related to Peierls phases in acoustic systems.
• This work paves the way for advanced acoustic functionalities previously unattainable.