SCIENCE

Twisting Waves: A New Way to Control Sound and Vibrations

Fri Oct 17 2025

Uncovering New Discoveries

Over the past decade, topology and physics have joined forces, leading to remarkable breakthroughs. Among the most notable discoveries are topological insulators—materials that conduct electricity freely along their edges while remaining insulating inside. This unique behavior stems from the material's intricate atomic structure.

The Rise of Twistronics

Another groundbreaking development is twistronics, where scientists twist layers of materials to alter their properties. By adjusting the twist angle, materials can even become superconductors, conducting electricity with zero resistance.

Controlling Waves with Twisted Surfaces

Now, researchers are applying these principles to control waves using twisted elastic surfaces. These surfaces can manipulate sound and vibrations in unprecedented ways. By twisting the surfaces, scientists can direct waves along specific paths or halt them entirely.

Potential Applications

This innovative approach holds promise for various fields:

  • Electronics: Enabling smaller, more efficient devices.
  • Medicine: Enhancing sound wave applications for diagnostics and treatments.
  • Other Industries: Improving sensing and wave manipulation technologies.

questions

    If elastodynamic metasurfaces were a dance, what kind of dance would it be and why?
    How do the topological transitions in twisted elastodynamic metasurfaces compare to those in other known topological systems, such as topological insulators?
    How do the experimental results of topological transitions in elastodynamic metasurfaces compare to theoretical models?

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