Scientists from Amolf, in collaboration with researchers from Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, have unveiled a groundbreaking metamaterial that revolutionizes the way sound waves propagate. This new material not only allows for unconventional spread of sound waves but also offers a unique amplification of mechanical vibrations, potentially leading to advancements in sensors and information processing technologies.
Published in the esteemed journal Nature, the study is a product of a collaborative effort between Amolf, Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, University of Basel, ETH Zurich, and the University of Vienna. The metamaterial, known as the bosonal chain of Kitaev, derives its distinctive characteristics from the topological nature of the interaction between nanomechanical resonators and laser light through radiation pressure forces.
The bosonal chain of Kitaev, acting as a chain of interconnected resonators resembling “atoms” within the material, demonstrates a unique ability to control the propagation of sound waves. It exhibits an exponential amplification of mechanical vibrations in one direction while prohibiting the transmission of vibrations in the opposite direction, thereby serving as a directional amplifier that holds promise for quantum technologies.
Being a topological material, this metamaterial possesses protected properties that remain unaffected even in the presence of defects. Through their research, Amolf scientists and their theoretical counterparts have established that the bosonal chain of Kitaev represents a novel topological phase of matter characterized by directed amplification, underscoring its significance as a topological phenomenon.
This groundbreaking discovery has the potential to enhance the sensitivity of nanomechanical sensors by leveraging topological protection, rendering the system highly responsive to specific types of disturbances. The heightened sensitivity achievable with this new material could drive advancements in sensor technologies, paving the way for further exploration and innovation in this field.