Nanomechanical metamaterials driven by ultrasound

Nanoscale motion of metamaterial nanostructures strongly affects how a metamaterial interacts with light. This has enabled modulation of light in response to metamaterial actuation induced by light, electric and magnetic signals and temperature changes. Mechanical motion is fast for moving parts of small size, allowing microscale structures to vibrate at frequencies exceeding 100 MHz. This project will explore the opportunity to actuate nanomechanical metamaterials with ultrasound. Initial goals are modulation of light with sound and optical detection of vibrations. Longer term goals may include acoustic modulation of surface waves.