Invention:
This innovation provides potential solutions to telecommunication and sensing devices that utilize acoustic waves as a medium. Compared to conventional elastic waves, topologically protected waves provide a significant benefit for reducing the return loss in devices. Superlattices supporting topologically protected acoustic waves provide attractive and disruptive solutions for designing the next generation of low-loss acoustic wave devices for telecommunication or sensing. Such superlattices are technologically compatible with existing acoustic wave devices.
It is observed that the introduction of topological approaches might allow devices to tackle challenges related to maintaining performance in diverse environments. The potential for this innovation to influence standards of efficiency and compatibility in the acoustic device realm is worth noting.
Background:
Previously, the literature has proposed to use topologically protected acoustic waves to reduce the loss of acoustic wave devices such as radio frequency devices. However, these approaches rely on topological wave supporting media which are either difficult to realize physically or lack compatibility with the manufacturing process of existing acoustic wave devices. The inventors demonstrate that finite superlattices in a prototypical device offer the benefits of topological protection in reducing the return/insertion loss of acoustic wave devices.
Historically, the integration of topologically protected waves in acoustic devices presented significant challenges. The consideration of finite superlattices in this context introduces a novel perspective that might be pivotal for future research and developments.
Applications:
- Geographic mapping
- Telecommunications
- Environmental monitoring
Advantages:
- Reduction in signal return loss
- Greater efficiency
- Full compatibility with existing acoustic devices
- Scalability for varied applications
