Hypersonic acoustic wave control via stealthy hyperuniform phononic nanostructures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Acoustics
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Controlling hypersonic surface acoustic waves is vital for phononic devices like filters and sensors.
• Periodic phononic crystals offer bandgap engineering but have limited frequency suppression ranges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate surface acoustic wave control using hyperuniform nanopillars on lithium niobate.
• To explore the potential of hyperuniform structures for broad-range acoustic wave suppression and waveguiding.

Main Methods:

• Experimental demonstration of acoustic wave control using gold nanopillars in a hyperuniform arrangement on lithium niobate.
• Integration of linear and S-shaped waveguides within the hyperuniform pattern.
• Simulations and experiments to confirm wave transmission and structure flexibility.

Main Results:

• Hyperuniform structures exhibit broad-range acoustic transmission reduction and bandgap-like suppression regions.
• Efficient waveguiding was achieved at frequencies within the suppression bandgaps.
• High transmission through integrated waveguides confirmed the flexibility of hyperuniform designs.

Conclusions:

• Hyperuniform nanopillar structures provide an effective alternative to traditional phononic crystals for acoustic wave control.
• These findings advance acoustic technologies, including mechanical quantum computing and smartphone filters.