Researchers at MIT have developed a new design framework for controlling ultrasound wave propagation in microscopic acoustic metamaterials. The framework presents a method for tuning elastic-wave velocities within microscale materials, allowing for the spatial and temporal control of wave propagation.
Future Directions
The framework is amenable to other fabrication techniques beyond the microscale, requiring merely a single constituent material and one base 3D geometry to attain largely tunable properties.
This opens up possibilities for further research and development in the field of acoustic metamaterials.
A New Framework Advances Experimental Capabilities
A team of researchers has developed a new framework for controlling ultrasound wave propagation in microscopic acoustic metamaterials. The design framework, which links physical material properties to geometric features, enables the creation of microscale devices and components that could be useful for ultrasound imaging or information transmission via ultrasound.
Key Findings
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The research demonstrates tunable elastic-wave velocities within microscale materials through nondestructive, high-throughput laser-ultrasonics characterization.
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The team experimentally shows spatial and temporal tuning of wave propagation in microscale materials using varied wave velocities.
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An acoustic demultiplexer, a device that separates one acoustic signal into multiple output signals, is also demonstrated.
Implications
The work paves the way for the development of microscale devices and components that could be useful for ultrasound imaging or information transmission via ultrasound. The research advances experimental capabilities, including fabrication and characterization, of microscale acoustic metamaterials toward application in medical ultrasound and mechanical computing applications.
A New Design Framework for Controlling Ultrasound Wave Propagation
Researchers at MIT have developed a new design framework for controlling ultrasound wave propagation in microscopic acoustic metamaterials. The framework presents a method for tuning elastic-wave velocities within microscale materials, allowing for the spatial and temporal control of wave propagation.
Key Findings
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The researchers focused on cubic lattice with braces comprising a “braced-cubic” design.
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They used nondestructive, high-throughput laser-ultrasonics characterization to experimentally demonstrate tunable elastic-wave velocities within microscale materials.
-
The team demonstrated an acoustic demultiplexer (a device that separates one acoustic signal into multiple output signals).
-
The work paves the way for microscale devices and components that could be useful for ultrasound imaging or information transmission via ultrasound.
The framework is amenable to other fabrication techniques beyond the microscale, requiring merely a single constituent material and one base 3D geometry to attain largely tunable properties. This opens up possibilities for further research and development in the field of acoustic metamaterials.
Quotes from Researchers
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“The beauty of this framework is that it fundamentally links physical material properties to geometric features.” – Rachel Sun, first author of the study
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“Using simple geometrical changes, this design framework expands the tunable dynamic property space of metamaterials, enabling straightforward design and fabrication of microscale acoustic metamaterials and devices.” – Carlos Portela
Related Topics
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Research
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Mechanical engineering
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Materials science and engineering
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Nanoscience and nanotechnology
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MIT.nano
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School of Engineering
