Technical Papers and Presentations

A technology demonstrator called the “acoustic hyperlens”, constructed using metamaterials, can transform near field waves into far field waves. It is the inherent anisotropic properties of the metamaterial that facilitates this transformation. Prior “acoustic hyperlens” research has focused on sound wave propagation along air gaps between radial fins made of heavy material such as brass. Our research changes the fin geometry to further explore the effect of different anisotropic properties on sound wave propagation. Using the Acoustics Module of COMSOL Multiphysics^® simulation software, re-orientation of the fins perpendicular to the sound source was explored. We observed amplitude enhancement of the original sound source through redirection of the sound wave propagation. The benefits of our research can potentially improve sound wave signal to noise ratio through redirection of the sound waves back to the transducer via a metamaterial.