Non-Local Elastic Lattices with $\mathcal{PT}$-Symmetry and Time Modulation: From Perfect Trapping to the Wave Boomerang Effect

TL;DR

This paper introduces non-Hermitian elastic lattices with $ ext{PT}$-symmetry and time modulation, enabling unprecedented wave control such as perfect trapping and wave reversal, with potential applications in elastic wave guidance and information processing.

Contribution

It develops a novel framework for elastic lattices with nonlocal feedback interactions that achieve dispersion control and wave guidance beyond traditional constraints.

Findings

Achieved transition from positive to negative group velocity dispersion.

Realized perfect wave trapping within the unbroken $ ext{PT}$-symmetric phase.

Demonstrated wave boomerang effect enabling wave reversal and guidance.

Abstract

Wave motion is fundamentally constrained by the dispersion properties of the medium, often making it challenging -- or even impossible -- to guide wave packets along desired trajectories, particularly when wave inversion is required. The paper illustrates how one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) non-Hermitian elastic lattices with time-varying non-local feedback interactions offer unprecedented wave guidance. By relaxing the constraint of Hermiticity while preserving $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetry of the nonlocal interactions, it is herein built a framework where the dispersion transitions from positive to negative group velocity, passing through an intermediate regime characterized by a perfectly flat band across all momenta. This effect, realized within the unbroken $\mathcal{PT}$-symmetric phase, is further enhanced by the time modulation of lattice parameters, thereby unlocking functionalities such as perfect trapping, where a wave packet is intentionally stopped, and the wave boomerang effect, where the wave packet is reversed or guided back to its initial position. The framework presented in this paper unlocks opportunities that extend beyond wave guidance, including information processing through dispersion engineering in elastic media.