Open AccessOptical reflection and waveguiding of sound by photo-thermally induced barriers
Author(s) -
Brian M. Cullum,
Ellen L. Holthoff,
Paul M. Pellegrino
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.25.022738
Subject(s) - optics , reflection (computer programming) , acoustics , physical acoustics , acoustic wave , sound transmission class , materials science , transmission (telecommunications) , laser , transient (computer programming) , total internal reflection , acoustic space , physics , computer science , telecommunications , programming language , operating system
Control and manipulation of sound is of critical importance to many different scientific and engineering fields, requiring the design of rigid physical structures with precise geometries and material properties for the desired acoustics. In this work, we demonstrate the ability to manipulate the direction and magnitude of sound waves traveling in air using laser light, without the need for physical interfaces associated with different materials. Efficient reflection of sound waves off of transient, optically generated, abrupt air density barriers is demonstrated, with acoustic reflections greater than 25% of the incident acoustic wave amplitude. Implementation of multiple barriers, can result in complete suppress the transmission of incident acoustic signals as great as 70 dB. Additionally, shaping the laser beam acoustic waveguides can be generated with dramatically reduced transmission losses.