Rectifying Acoustic Waves

We proposed an acoustic-wave rectifier and numerically demonstrated the rectification effects on bulk waves as well as SAWs above the threshold frequencies. The rectification mechanism is due to the geometric effects of the asymmetric scatterers on acoustic wave scattering, which is enhanced by interference among the scattered waves. The threshold frequency for the rectification results from the periodic arrangement of scatterers. Hence, it is possible to tune the rectifier by adjusting the position of the scatterers. The findings of this work can be applied not only to sound waves in solids or liquids but also to optical waves, leading to new devices in wave engineering.