New Synthetic Acoustic Crystal Enhances Wave Manipulation Capabilities

Recent research has introduced a novel synthetic acoustic crystal that enables advanced wave manipulation, specifically through hybrid broadband conduction and amplitude-driven topological confinement of sound. The study, authored by Mathieu Padlewski, Xinxin Guo, Maxime Volery, Romain Fleury, and Hervé Lissek, was submitted to arXiv on August 29, 2024, and is titled "Hybrid broadband conduction and amplitude-driven topological confinement of sound via synthetic acoustic crystals".

The researchers describe a synthetic acoustic crystal capable of achieving both linear broadband conduction and nonlinear topological insulation. This dual capability allows for a robust amplitude-dependent mode that is localized within the system, which they refer to as amplitude-driven topological confinement of sound. The mechanism involves an open acoustic waveguide lined with a series of nonlocally and nonlinearly coupled active electroacoustic resonators.

The study further demonstrates that varying the driving amplitude can access different topological regimes, highlighting the topological robustness against coupling disorder. This robustness arises from the symmetric and simultaneous response of the coupled resonators. The theoretical predictions made by the authors were validated through a programmable experimental setup that allows real-time manipulation of the metacrystal properties.

These findings could have significant implications for the design and manipulation of classical waves in artificial materials, particularly in applications involving nonlinearity, nonlocality, and non-hermiticity. The research lays a solid foundation for future studies in this area, potentially influencing advancements in various fields, including telecommunications and materials science.

For further details, the paper can be accessed at arXiv:2408.16801.