Large-scale programmable phononic integrated circuits

TL;DR

This paper introduces large-scale programmable phononic integrated circuits that enable complex signal processing with high integration density, demonstrating new devices like power splitters and frequency demultiplexers for advanced information processing.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive library of gigahertz-frequency phononic building blocks and demonstrates scalable, reconfigurable phononic circuits, establishing phononics as a key platform alongside electronics and photonics.

Findings

Achieved ultra-compact 1x128 on-chip acoustic power splitter

Developed a 21-port acoustic frequency demultiplexer with 3.8 MHz resolution

Created a four-channel reconfigurable frequency synthesizer

Abstract

Electronic and photonic chips revolutionized information technology through massive integration of functional elements, yet phonons as fundamental information carriers in solids remain underestimated. Here, we demonstrate large-scale programmable phononic integrated circuits (PnICs) for complex signal processing. We developed a comprehensive library of gigahertz-frequency phononic building blocks that control acoustic wave propagation, polarization, and dispersion. Combining these elements, we demonstrate an ultra-compact 1$\times$128 on-chip acoustic power splitter with unprecedented integration density of 3,000/cm$^2$, a 21-port acoustic frequency demultiplexer with 3.8~MHz resolution, and a four-channel reconfigurable frequency synthesizer. This work establishes scalable phononic integration as the third pillar of information processing alongside electronics and photonics, enabling hybrid chips that combine all three domains for advanced signal processing and quantum information applications.