Theory of complex-coordinate transformation acoustics for non-Hermitian metamaterials

Transformation acoustics(TA)has emerged as a powerful tool for designing several intriguing conceptual devices,which can manipulate acoustic waves in a flexible manner,yet their applications are limited in Hermitian materials.In this work,we propose the theory of complex-coordinate transformation acoustics(CCTA)and verify the effectiveness in realizing acoustic non-Hermitian metamaterials.Especially,we apply this theory for the first time to the design of acoustic parity-time(PT)and antisymmetric parity-time(APT)metamaterials and demonstrate two distinctive examples.First,we use this method to obtain the exceptional points(EPs)of the PT/APT system and observe the spontaneous phase transition of the scattering matrix in the transformation parameter space.Second,by selecting the Jacobian matrix's constitutive parameters,the PT/APT-symmetric system can also be configured to approach the zero and pole of the scattering matrix,behaving as an acoustic coherent perfect absorber and equivalent laser.We envision our proposed CCTAbased paradigm to open the way for exploring the non-Hermitian physics and finding application in the design of acoustic functional devices such as absorbers and amplifiers whose material parameters are hard to realize by using the conventional transformation method.

Coherent Acoustic Phonon and Its Chirping in Dirac Semimetal Cd_3As_2

Ultrafast optical spectroscopy of a single crystal of a Dirac semimetal Cd_3As_（2 ）is carried out.An acoustic phonon（AP）mode with central frequency f=0.037 THz（i.e.,1.23 cm^（-1）or 0.153 meV）is unambiguously generated and detected,which we attribute to laser-induced thermal strain.An AP chirping（i.e.,variation of the phonon frequency）is clearly detected,which is ascribed to heat capacity variation with time.By comparing our experimental results and the theoretical model,we obtain a chirping time constant,which is 31.2 ps at 6 K and 19.8 ps at 300 K,respectively.Significantly,we identify an asymmetry in the AP frequency domain peak and find that it is caused by the chirping,instead of a Fano resonance.Moreover,we experimentally demonstrate that the central frequency of AP is extremely stable with varying laser fluence,as well as temperature,which endows Cd_3As_2application potentials in thermoelectric devices.

Ultrafast optical probe of coherent acoustic phonons in Co2MnAl Heusler film

In this work, pronounced oscillations in the time-resolved reflectivity of Heusler alloy Co2MnAl films which are epitaxially grown on Ga As substrates are observed and investigated as a function of film thickness, probe wavelength,external magnetic field and temperature. Our results suggest that the oscillation response at 24.5 GHz results from the coherent phonon generation in Co2MnAl film and can be explained by a propagating strain pulse model. From the probe wavelength dependent oscillation frequency, a sound velocity of（3.85±0.1）×10-3m/s at 800 nm for the epitaxial Co2MnAl film is determined at room temperature. The detected coherent acoustic phonon generation in Co2MnAl reported in this work provides a valuable reference for exploring the high-speed magnetization manipulation via magnetoelastic coupling for future spintronic devices based on Heusler alloy films.

Resonant enhancement of magnetic damping driven by coherent acoustic phonons in thin Co_(2)FeAl film epitaxied on GaAs

The magnetic dynamics of a thin Co_(2)FeAl film epitaxially grown on GaAs substrate was investigated using the timeresolved magneto-optical Kerr measurement under an out-of-plane external field.The intrinsic magnetic damping constant,which should do not vary with the external magnetic field,exhibits an abnormal huge increase when the precession frequency is tuned to be resonant with that of the coherent longitudinal acoustic phonon in the Co_(2)FeAl/GaAs heterostructure.The experimental finding is suggested to result from the strong coherent energy transfer from spins to acoustic phonons via magnetoelastic effect under a resonant coupling condition,which leads to a huge energy dissipation of spins and a greatly enhanced magnetic damping in Co_(2)FeAl.Our experimental findings provide an experimental evidence of spin pumping-like effect driven by propagating acoustic phonons via magnetoelastic effect,suggesting an alternative approach to the possible long-range spin manipulation via coherent acoustic waves.

Large bandgap oscillations in two-dimensional Dion–Jacobson phase perovskites caused by coherent longitudinal acoustic phonons [Invited]

Two-dimensional Dion–Jacobson(D-J)phase perovskites are prospective photovoltaic and optoelectronic materials.To study their mechanical properties and carrier-lattice interactions,we conduct femtosecond spectroscopic experiments on the films of a D-J perovskite.After optical excitation,a∼33 meV bandgap oscillation is observed in the film by transient absorption spectroscopy.With the help of transient reflection methods,we reveal that the oscillation originates from the transport of coherent longitudinal acoustic phonons through the film.Large bandgap oscillation indicates a strong coupling between carriers and lattice,and significant bandgap modulation by strains in D-J perovskites.