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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 12, 2026

Induction of Microstreaming by Nonspherical Bubble Oscillations in an Acoustic Levitation System
08:19

Induction of Microstreaming by Nonspherical Bubble Oscillations in an Acoustic Levitation System

Published on: May 9, 2021

Ultrasonic levitation-based contactless actuation for reflective optical beam steering.

Zhao Liu, Xingchen Huo, Yelei He

    Optics Express
    |June 11, 2026
    PubMed
    Summary

    This study introduces a novel contactless optical beam steering method using acoustic radiation forces to levitate and tilt a mirror. This innovative technique offers high efficiency and wear-free operation for advanced photonics applications.

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    Area of Science:

    • Photonics and Optical Engineering
    • Acoustic Physics
    • Materials Science

    Background:

    • High-performance optical beam steering faces challenges in achieving large deflection angles, high throughput, fast response, and long lifetimes simultaneously.
    • Existing methods like mechanical scanners, MEMS mirrors, and optical phased arrays (OPAs) have limitations in meeting all performance criteria.
    • The need for non-contact, wear-free, and efficient beam-steering solutions is critical for advanced optical systems.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To introduce and demonstrate a novel contactless beam-steering mechanism.
    • To investigate the use of acoustic radiation forces for actuating a levitated reflective element.
    • To explore the potential for wide-angle, high-efficiency, and wear-free optical beam steering.

    Main Methods:

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    Last Updated: Jun 12, 2026

    Induction of Microstreaming by Nonspherical Bubble Oscillations in an Acoustic Levitation System
    08:19

    Induction of Microstreaming by Nonspherical Bubble Oscillations in an Acoustic Levitation System

    Published on: May 9, 2021

    Three-Dimensional Ultrasonic Needle Tip Tracking with a Fiber-Optic Ultrasound Receiver
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    Published on: August 21, 2018

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    05:57

    Characterization of SiN Integrated Optical Phased Arrays on a Wafer-Scale Test Station

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    • A dual-array ultrasonic standing-wave field was employed to create a stable potential well for levitating a lightweight aluminum mirror.
    • Acoustic radiation forces were used to controllably tilt the levitated mirror, enabling contactless beam steering.
    • Experimental characterization of optical throughput, deflection angles, and settling times was performed.

    Main Results:

    • The prototype demonstrated an optical throughput of approximately 75%.
    • Five discrete and repeatable steering states with optical deflections up to ~±8° were achieved with settling times in the tens of milliseconds.
    • Numerical studies based on an validated acoustic model suggest potential for continuous steering up to ~17.6° optical deflection.

    Conclusions:

    • Acoustic radiation-force actuation presents a promising, previously underexplored route for optical beam steering.
    • This contactless method eliminates mechanical contact, friction, and wear, offering long operational lifetimes.
    • The technology opens new opportunities for reconfigurable free-space photonics, potentially surpassing existing non-contact steering technologies.