Acoustic Zero-Index Metamaterials for Leaky-Wave Antennas

TL;DR

This paper presents a novel acoustic leaky-wave antenna using zero-refractive-index metamaterials with a space-coiling design, achieving higher efficiency, better directivity, and beam scanning capabilities for advanced sensing and communication.

Contribution

Introduces a new acoustic Dirac leaky-wave antenna employing double-zero-index metamaterials with a space-coiling structure for improved performance.

Findings

Over twice the radiation efficiency of traditional antennas

Enhanced directional control enabling precise beam scanning

Effective passive sonar detection of moving sound sources

Abstract

In this work, we introduce an advanced acoustic leaky-wave antenna employing zero-refractive-index metamaterials (ZIMs) that significantly surpasses traditional designs in terms of radiation ef-ficiency and directivity. Our design features a novel space-coiling structure, which manipulates the Dirac-like dispersion based on accidental degeneracy to achieve double-zero-index metamaterials (DZIM). The newly developed acoustic Dirac leaky-wave antenna (ADLWA) achieves more than double the radiation efficiency of conventional antennas based on arrays with side holes and mem-branes. It exhibits superior directional control, allowing for precise beam scanning by adjusting the frequency. Additionally, the ADLWA functions effectively as a passive sonar system, capable of de-tecting the direction of moving sound sources. This breakthrough enhances acoustic wave control and promises significant advancements in sensing and communication technologies.