Metagrating-based Single-pixel Acoustic Direction Finding

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel single-pixel acoustic source localization method using metagratings and compressive sensing, achieving accurate 180 and 360-degree direction finding with reduced hardware complexity.

Contribution

It presents the first integration of acoustic metagratings with compressive sensing for efficient, wide-range source localization, validated through simulations and experiments.

Findings

Robustness against noise and limited sampling demonstrated in simulations

Experimental validation confirms feasibility of practical metagrating prototypes

Significant hardware reduction compared to traditional array systems

Abstract

Acoustic metamaterials provide new opportunities for compact and efficient wavefront manipulation, extending beyond conventional bulky and power-intensive phased-arrays. In this work, we exploit the spatial encoding properties of the acoustic metagrating aperture to transform incident acoustic fields into compressed measurements for single-pixel acoustic source localisation. The proposed method enables accurate direction finding of acoustic sources over both 180 and 360 degrees angular ranges. Numerical simulations confirm the robustness of the metagrating-based compressive sensing approach against noise and limited sampling. Experimental validation is conducted to verify its feasibility with practical metagrating prototyes. Compared wiith tranditional array-based localisation techniques, the single-pixel metagrating system significantly reduces hardward complexity while maintaining high localisation accuracy. These findings demonstrate the potential of integrating compressive sensing with acoustic metagratings for compact, low-cost, scalable source detection systems, with prospective applications in industrial monitoring, target tracking and non-destructive health monitoring.