Applications Of Metamaterials Research Articles

High load-bearing metastructure for controlling surface Rayleigh waves

Artificial metamaterials for controlling surface Rayleigh waves have been extensively studied in recent years. However, practical engineering applications of metamaterials are still limited when they lack high load-bearing capacity. For this reason, a new metamaterial called a high-load-bearing metastructure is presented, which is designed by generalized Snell’s law. The wide-bandgap performance for surface Rayleigh waves and the high load-bearing capacity of the proposed metastructure are realized by using traditional engineering materials, which provide a more flexible reference in practical engineering applications. This work can open new avenues for controlling the propagation of surface Rayleigh waves.

A novel windmill-shaped auxetic structure with energy absorption enhancement

The traditional anti-tetra-missing rib structure often suffers from uneven stress deformation and poor energy absorption, which limits its engineering applications. To address these limitations, this paper proposed a novel windmill-shaped auxetic structure by incorporating reinforcing ligaments into the traditional anti-tetra-missing rib structure. The incorporation of these reinforcing ligaments ensures that both the outer and inner ligaments of the windmill-shaped auxetic structure are adequately supported, leading to more uniform structural deformation and enhanced energy absorption capabilities. Further modifications, such as reducing the length of the outer and inner ligaments and increasing their thickness within a reasonable range, significantly enhance the energy absorption capacity. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the design and practical application of auxetic metamaterials.

Terahertz spoof plasmonic neural network for diffractive information recognition and processing

All-optical diffractive neural networks, as analog artificial intelligence accelerators, leverage parallelism and analog computation for complex data processing. However, their low space transmission efficiency or large spatial dimensions hinder miniaturization and broader application. Here, we propose a terahertz spoof plasmonic neural network on a planar diffractive platform for direct multi-target recognition. Our approach employs a spoof surface plasmon polariton coupler array to construct a diffractive network layer, resulting in a compact, efficient, and easily integrable architecture. We designed three schemes: basis vector classification, multi-user recognition, and MNIST handwritten digit classification. Experimental results reveal that the terahertz spoof plasmonic neural network successfully classifies basis vectors, recognizes multi-user orientation information, and directly processes handwritten digits using a designed input framework comprising a metal grating array, transmitters, and receivers. This work broadens the application of terahertz plasmonic metamaterials, paving the way for terahertz on-chip integration, intelligent communication, and advanced computing systems.

Uncovering Pattern-Transformable Soft Granular Crystals Induced by Microscopic Instability

Abstract Upon compression, some soft granular crystals undergo pattern transformation. Recent studies have unveiled that the underlying mechanism of this transformation is closely tied to microscopic instability, resulting in symmetry breaking. This intriguing phenomenon gives rise to unconventional mechanical properties in the granular crystals, paving the way for potential metamaterial application. However, no consistent approach has been reported for studying other unexplored transformable granular crystals. In this study, we present a systematic approach to identify a new set of pattern-transformable diatomic granular crystals induced by microscopic instability. After identifying the kinematic constraints for diatomic soft granular crystals, we have generated a list of feasible particle arrangements for instability-induced pattern transformation under compression. Instead of computationally intensive finite element models (FEMs) with continuum elements, we adopt a simplified mass-spring model derived from granular contact networks to efficiently evaluate these feasible particle arrangements for pattern transformation. Our numerical analysis encompasses quasi-static analysis and microscopic/macroscopic instability analyses within the framework of linear perturbation. Subsequently, the pattern transformation of the identified particle arrangements is confirmed through quasi-static analyses employing detailed finite element (FE) simulations with continuum elements. Additional numerical simulations with continuum elements reveal that the pattern transformations of particle arrangements are significantly influenced by the initial void volume and some transformed granular crystals may exhibit strong low-frequency directional phononic band-gaps, which were not observed in the initial granular crystals.

Elastic birefringent metamaterials and quarter-wave plate

The elastic matrices of extremal metamaterials have one or more zero eigenvalues, allowing energy-free deformation modes. These elastic metamaterials can be well approximated by manufactured microstructures. They can exhibit an unprecedented capacity to manipulate bulk and surface waves, which are unavailable with conventional solids due to the easy deformation modes, as already exemplified by pentamode materials (PMs). In this paper, we theoretically investigate a direct one-to-one correspondence of birefringent metamaterial and quarter-wave plate between optical and elastic waves based on a carefully designed quadramode material (QM). This QM metamaterial allows only two transverse wave modes, eliminating mode conversion due to the presence of the longitudinal mode. The characteristics of the elastic birefringent metamaterial and elastic quarter-wave plate are demonstrated by both homogenized and corresponding discrete models. A free space elastic wave isolator, analogous to a diode in electronics, is also proposed, which can effectively protect upstream sources or systems from back-reflected noise or interference. An additional benefit of the discrete model is also revealed for its working frequency tunability through deformation. This work provides the first study on elastic birefringent metamaterials and tunable elastic quarter-wave plate, which may stimulate applications of extremal elastic metamaterials for controlling elastic wave polarization.

Terahertz metamaterials for spectrum modulation: structural design, materials and applications

Metamaterials, an artificial electromagnetic (EM) material, have exhibited unique characteristics, enabling innovations in terahertz (THz) wavefront shaping, polarization modulation, surface wave manipulation, and spectrum modulation. In this review, we focus on the advancements in THz metamaterials for spectrum modulation, emphasizing their structural design, special materials, and applications. The review discusses various structural designs, including metal-dielectric composite structures, all-metal structures, and all-dielectric structures, each offering distinct advantages for THz applications. Key special materials such as graphene, vanadium dioxide (VO2), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and flexible materials are highlighted for their significant contributions to enhancing the performance and functionality of THz metamaterials. The applications of THz metamaterials in EM stealth and sensing are thoroughly introduced, with a particular focus on biosensing, pesticide detection, and other sensing applications. The review emphasizes the potential of THz metamaterials in developing highly sensitive and selective sensors, as well as efficient THz absorbers and filters. Future perspectives include the continuous development of novel materials, advanced fabrication technologies, and the integration of multifunctional capabilities to further expand the applications and efficiency of THz metamaterials. These advancements are expected to drive significant progress in THz technology, impacting fields such as medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, food safety, wireless communication, and security.

Adaptive hierarchical origami-based metastructures

Shape-morphing capabilities are crucial for enabling multifunctionality in both biological and artificial systems. Various strategies for shape morphing have been proposed for applications in metamaterials and robotics. However, few of these approaches have achieved the ability to seamlessly transform into a multitude of volumetric shapes post-fabrication using a relatively simple actuation and control mechanism. Taking inspiration from thick origami and hierarchies in nature, we present a hierarchical construction method based on polyhedrons to create an extensive library of compact origami metastructures. We show that a single hierarchical origami structure can autonomously adapt to over 103 versatile architectural configurations, achieved with the utilization of fewer than 3 actuation degrees of freedom and employing simple transition kinematics. We uncover the fundamental principles governing theses shape transformation through theoretical models. Furthermore, we also demonstrate the wide-ranging potential applications of these transformable hierarchical structures. These include their uses as untethered and autonomous robotic transformers capable of various gait-shifting and multidirectional locomotion, as well as rapidly self-deployable and self-reconfigurable architecture, exemplifying its scalability up to the meter scale. Lastly, we introduce the concept of multitask reconfigurable and deployable space robots and habitats, showcasing the adaptability and versatility of these metastructures.

Split-type seismic metamaterials with pseudo-surface wave weakening mechanism

Pseudo surface waves, as a type of propagating wave, are detrimental to the attenuation of seismic Rayleigh waves. A split seismic metamaterial (SSM) that can weaken pseudo surface wave modes and generate ultra wideband gaps of 12.92Hz is proposed. The split configuration of SSM can be obtained by separating the modes of different waves within the energy band curve, which can cause the surface waves inside the sound cone to move outward and weaken the pseudo surface wave modes inside the band gap. Combined with the frequency response curve, it is further demonstrated that the attenuation amplitude of SSM is larger than that of monolithic seismic metamaterials (MSM) within the same bandgap range. Afterwards, by studying the changes in bandgap through structural parameters, the method of a gradient array was used to fuse the characteristic frequency that can generate larger attenuation with the weakened pseudo surface wave mode frequency, resulting in greater attenuation. Finally, it is verified by experiments that SSM can provide ultra-wide low-frequency band gaps while also generating large attenuation accuracy, which provides a practical solution for the application of seismic metamaterials.

Odd mechanical metamaterials with simultaneously expanding or contracting under both compression and tension

Mechanical metamaterials with negative Poisson's ratio have attracted widespread attention in recent decades due to their unique mechanical properties. This metamaterial often exhibits the characteristic of expansion under tension and contraction under compression, which is different from traditional materials. Currently, almost all related research is focused on the design and further application of such metamaterials. This paper proposes a class of odd mechanical metamaterials, which can exhibit characteristics of expanding (or contracting) under both compression and tension, with the Poisson's ratio showing strong directional dependence. Experimental and simulation methods were employed to verify the conceptual ideas presented in this study, and corresponding three-dimensional and cylindrical shell structures were proposed. The mechanical metamaterials that expand under both compression and tension are ideal scaffolds for human esophagus/vessels, which can ensure the smooth flow of blood and nutrients. And the metamaterials that contract under both compression and tension were prefect choice in bone/gristle repair field, which doesn't compress surrounding tissues and nerves during loading. This study further enriches the understanding of the mechanical metamaterials with negative Poisson's ratio and provides more possibilities for the design of such metamaterials.

Elastostatics within multi-layer metamaterial structures and an algebraic framework for polariton resonances

Multi-layer structures are ubiquitous in constructing metamaterial devices to realise various frontier applications including super-resolution imaging and invisibility cloaking. In this paper, we develop a general mathematical framework for studying elastostatics within multi-layer material structures in Rd, d = 2, 3. The multi-layer structure is formed by concentric balls and each layer is filled by either a regular elastic material or an elastic metamaterial. The number of layers can be arbitrary and the material parameters in each layer may be different from one another. In practice, the multi-layer structure can serve as the building block for various material devices. Considering the impingement of an incident field on the multi-layer structure, we first derive the exact perturbed field in terms of an elastic momentum matrix, whose dimension is the same as the number of layers. By highly intricate and delicate analysis, we derive a comprehensive study of the spectral properties of the elastic momentum matrix. This enables us to establish a handy algebraic framework for studying polariton resonances associated with multi-layer metamaterial structures, which forms the fundamental basis for many metamaterial applications.

Topology optimization of chiral metamaterials with application to underwater sound insulation

Chiral metamaterials have been proven to possess many appealing mechanical phenomena, such as negative Poisson’s ratio, high-impact resistance, and energy absorption. This work extends the applications of chiral metamaterials to underwater sound insulation. Various chiral metamaterials with low acoustic impedance and proper stiffness are inversely designed using the topology optimization scheme. Low acoustic impedance enables the metamaterials to have a high and broadband sound transmission loss (STL), while proper stiffness guarantees its robust acoustic performance under a hydrostatic pressure. As proof-of-concept demonstrations, two specimens are fabricated and tested in a water-filled impedance tube. Experimental results show that, on average, over 95% incident sound energy can be isolated by the specimens in a broad frequency range from 1 kHz to 5 kHz, while the sound insulation performance keeps stable under a certain hydrostatic pressure. This work may provide new insights for chiral metamaterials into the underwater applications with sound insulation.

In plane mechanical properties of hexagonal V-chiral and Tri-chiral metamaterials

The reasonable design of man-made multifunctional metamaterials with advanced mechanical and physical properties that are not found in nature is both challenging and important. In this paper, novel chiral structures are designed by adding V- and Tri- chiral elements to the typical hexagonal honeycomb substrate, so as to realize the modulation of in plane mechanical properties. Finite element simulations show that the Poisson's ratio of the hexagonal V-chiral structure is negative when the strain is greater than 0.4, and that of the hexagonal Tri-chiral structure is always negative. Quasi-static compression tests show that the introduction of chiral properties results in a stronger load-bearing capacity, and the hexagonal Tri-chiral structure has a stronger energy absorption (EA) and specific energy absorption (SEA) capability. A parametric study is carried out by means of FEM, by adjusting the geometrical parameters of the proposed structures, the performance in terms of energy absorption and compressive stiffness can be improved. Subsequently, Bloch-Floquet theorem is employed for the dispersion relations of the chiral metamaterials and the results show that compared to conventional hexagonal honeycomb, chiral metamaterials are able to generate band gaps in a lower frequency range. Numerical simulation results show that the bandwidth of the proposed novel chiral metamaterials can be tuned through a reasonable selection of hexagonal edge length, wall thickness and radius. Experimental investigations are conducted to test the vibration transmission rate of Structure Ⅲ, and the results prove that the structure is capable of vibration suppression in the target frequency band range. Finally, by filling Structure Ⅲ with steel columns, the structure generates band gaps in the lower frequency range, hence the application of this chiral metamaterial is broadened.

On the reusable compressive behavior of multi-directional auxetic origami metamaterials

Origami metamaterials exhibit abnormal mechanical properties through artful structural design. To further explore the mechanical behavior of reentrant metamaterials, a multi-directional auxetic origami metamaterial (AOMM) was designed, and its negative Poisson’s ratio effect was analyzed through the diagram of load bearing and deformation. Theoretical models related to geometric parameters, relative density, folding rate, equivalent elasticity and load plateau were established to reveal the deformation transformation mechanism, and the influence of size parameters on the equivalent elastic constants was drawn. Using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the substrate, two types of multi-directional AOMMs were fabricated by 3D printing, and quasi-static compression experiments were performed. The results show that the TPU AOMMs has a reusable compressive capacity, whose compressive mechanical behaviors are mainly contributed by the buckling instability and large deformation of sidewall. There is a coupling effect between the cross connection boundaries, which results in the difference in mechanical properties of AOMM with different geometric sizes. The prediction results of relative density, load plateau and yield strain through equivalent theories approximate that of experimental results. Simultaneously, finite element analyses were conducted, which agrees well with the experiments. These foundings may provide reference for the design and application of novel auxetic or origami metamaterials.

An isogeometric analysis of solar panels with a bio-inspired substrate

We in this paper propose a high-performance design using bio-inspired metamaterials for multilayered perovskite solar cell (MPSC) plates. The static bending and free vibrational responses of the newly designed MPSC panels with the presence of the triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) substrate are subsequently investigated numerically. The displacements of the present plate model are then approximated by five-variable higher-order shear deformation theories (HSDTs). The weak forms are established for both the static bending and free vibration problems and subsequently derive the discrete forms using the NURBS-based isogeometric approach. To enhance the operational efficiency of solar panels in challenging environments, we integrate advanced lightweight architectures based on bio-inspired TPMS structures as a substrate layer into the original solar panel design. In this research, three widely employed TPMS structures: Primitive, Gyroid, and I-graph and Wrapped Package-graph (IWP), are examined in conjunction with two functional grading patterns implemented through the thickness direction. For the first time, the static bending performance of MPSC plates integrated into a TPMS-based substrate layer and subjected to wind pressure as well as thermal conditions is comprehensively studied. In addition, the influence of several significant factors on the free vibration behavior of MPSC plates is also elucidated. The findings show a promising and intriguing design avenue, particularly in the application of high-performance metamaterials to address contemporary challenges in renewable energy usage and environmental protection.

Nanophotonics with Plasmonic Nanorod Metamaterials

AbstractTaking advantage of their unique and tuneable electromagnetic properties, plasmonic metamaterials constitute a versatile platform for a variety of applications ranging from high‐resolution imaging, sensing and spontaneous emission engineering to ultrafast nonlinear optics and light polarization control. Here, recent advances in the design and applications of plasmonic metamaterials based on aligned metallic nanorod assemblies are reviewed, and the fast‐developing trends in their exploitation in nanophotonics are outlined. The fabrication of the nanorod‐based metamaterials is introduced and their linear and nonlinear optical properties are presented from both microscopic and phenomenological considerations. Multiscale structuring allowing precise engineering of the electromagnetic modes supported by the nanorod metamaterials, as well as nonlocal spatial dispersion effects and their impact on nanophotonic performance are discussed. To illustrate the developing field of practical applications of these metamaterials, some of their main application domains in sensing, photochemistry and nonlinear optics are overviewed and novel designs of anisotropic metamaterials directly derived from the nanorod architecture are introduced.

Resonant Acoustic Metamaterials

Acoustic applications of metamaterials have rapidly developed over the past few decades. The sound attenuation provided by metamaterials is due to the interaction between soundwaves and scatterers organized into a reticular grid, with a peak attenuation at a specific frequency band that is highly dependent on the scatterers’ diameter and reticular geometric organization of installation. In this article, the scatterer types chosen for the experiments are represented by a 2D shape, which are cylindrical solid-wood bars of 15 mm diameter and empty cylindrical bars of 20 mm diameter. Acoustic measurements were conducted in a semi-anechoic chamber to identify the specific frequency at which the highest insertion loss (IL) was registered. A second experiment was conducted by creating holes of 5 mm diameter on the external surface of the empty bars; in this way, it registered a higher sound attenuation. In particular, the resonant system characterized with holes, in combination with the attenuation given by 2D scatterer metamaterials, increased the sound attenuation for the frequency range between 1 kHz and 10 kHz.

Chiral-assisted geometric phase metasurfaces: Manipulating orbital angular momentum for efficient and stable microwave attenuation

Chiral wave-absorbing metamaterials can enhance microwave attenuation performance by converting linearly polarized waves into circularly polarized waves. However, the mechanism for transforming incident waves into vortex waves to overcome the angular momentum mismatch to satisfy broadband stealth is unclear. This work proposes a chiral-assisted geometrically phase (CAGP) metasurfaces that utilizes the Pancharatnam-Berry (PB) phase concept to convert incident plane waves into reflected vortex waves. Such metamaterials demonstrate adaptive transformation capabilities under the incidence of electromagnetic (EM) waves with multi-polarization modes, providing an effective absorption bandwidth (≥90 % absorptivity, reflection loss ≤ −10 dB) reaches 6.92 GHz (9.16–16.08 GHz) at a thickness of 2.48 mm. Based on an orbital angular momentum (OAM) phase and amplitude analysis, the mode purity of the generated vortex waves is discussed in detail, and the mechanisms are analyzed and verified by simulation models to confirm their effectiveness and practicability. Additionally, the metamaterials exhibit excellent radar cross-section (RCS) reduction properties and stable polarization insensitivity properties. In short, this work presents a tailorable metasurface to manipulate the OAM spectrum and achieve broadband microwave attenuation, which holds great potential for various applications in chiral wave-absorbing metamaterials.

Metamaterial applications of T matsolver , an easy-to-use software for simulating multiple wave scattering in two dimensions

Multiple scattering of waves is eminent in a wide range of applications and extensive research is being undertaken into multiple scattering by ever more complicated structures, with emphasis on the design of metamaterial structures that manipulate waves in a desired fashion. Ongoing research investigates the design of structures and new solution methods for the governing partial differential equations. There is a pressing need for easy-to-use software that empowers rapid prototyping of designs and for validating other solution methods. We develop a general formulation of the multiple scattering problem that facilitates efficient application of the multipole-based method. The shape and morphology of the scatterers is not restricted, provided their T-matrices are available. The multipole method is implemented in the T matsolver software package, which uses our general formulation and the T-matrix methodology to simulate accurately multiple scattering by complex configurations with a large number of identical or non-identical scatterers that can have complex shapes and/or morphologies. This article provides a mathematical description of the algorithm and demonstrates application of the software to four contemporary metamaterial problems. It concludes with a brief overview of the object-oriented structure of the T matsolver code.

Digital light processing based multimaterial 3D printing: challenges, solutions and perspectives

Abstract Multimaterial (MM) 3D printing shows great potential for application in metamaterials, flexible electronics, biomedical devices and robots, since it can seamlessly integrate distinctive materials into one printed structure. Among numerous MM 3D printing technologies, digital light processing (DLP) MM 3D printing is compatible with a wide range of materials from hydrogels to ceramics, and can print MM 3D structures with high resolution, high complexity and fast speed. This paper introduces the fundamental mechanisms of DLP 3D printing, and reviews the recent advances of DLP MM 3D printing technologies with emphasis on material switching methods and material contamination issues. It also summarizes a number of typical examples of DLP MM 3D printing systems developed in the past decade, and introduces their system structures, working principles, material switching methods, residual resin removal methods, printing steps, as well as the representative structures and applications. Finally, we provide perspectives on the directions of the further development of DLP MM 3D printing technology.

Vibration Reduction on Circular Disks with Vibroacoustic Metamaterials

Vibroacoustic metamaterials represent an innovative technology developed for broadband vibration reduction. They consist of an array of local resonators and are able to reduce vibrations over a wide frequency range, commonly referred to as a stop band. Vibroacoustic metamaterials may be a promising strategy to reduce out-of-plane vibrations of thin-walled, disk-shaped structures, such as saw blades. However, their behavior in rotating systems has not yet been fully understood. In this study, a vibroacoustic metamaterial integrated into a circular disk for the reduction of out-of-plane vibrations is experimentally investigated in the rotating and non-rotating state. Derived from the predominant frequency range of noise emitted by saw blades, a vibroacoustic metamaterial with a numerically predicted stop band in the frequency range from 2000 Hz to 3000 Hz, suitable for integration into a circular disk, is designed. The resonators of the metamaterial are realized by cutting slots into the disk using a waterjet cutting machine. To experimentally examine the structural dynamic behavior, the disk is excited by an impulse hammer and observed by a stationary optical velocity sensor on a rotor dynamics test stand. The results of the rotating and the non-rotating state are compared. The measurements are carried out at two different radii and at speeds up to 3000 rpm. A distinct stop band characteristic is shown in the desired frequency range from 2000 Hz to 3000 Hz in the rotating and non-rotating state. No significant shift of the stop band frequency range was observed during rotation. However, adjacent modes were observed to propagate into the stop band frequency range. This work contributes to a better understanding of the behavior of vibroacoustic metamaterials in the rotating state and enables future applications of vibroacoustic metamaterials for vibration reduction in rotating, disk-shaped structures such as saw blades, brake disks or gears.