Enhancing underwater acoustic surveillance and scientific monitoring by bio-inspired acoustic metamaterial device networks

This project aims to develop the basis for new underwater acoustic devices. We will use exotic acoustic metamaterials to convert spherical acoustic waveforms into a collimated beam. In addition, a filter placed in front of the receiver will detect signals coming only from the desired direction, and of the desired frequency. Research tasks include: (i) investigating the fundamental physics of the enhanced interaction between underwater acoustic waves and artificial structures, focusing on the exotic behavior of acoustic metamaterials, (ii) optimizing the practical design of these compact and high-efficiency devices, (iii) developing the advanced manufacturing techniques for device fabrication; and (iv) characterizing the novel performance of the acoustic metamaterial based system.