Twisted Acoustics

Abstract

We use metasurfaces to enable acoustic orbital angular momentum (a-OAM) based multiplexing in real-time, postprocess-free and sensor-scanning-free fashions to improve the bandwidth of acoustic communication, with intrinsic compatibility and expandability to cooperate with other multiplexing technologies. The mechanism relied on encoding information onto twisted beams is numerically and experimentally demonstrated by realizing the real-time picture transfer, which differs from existing static data transfer by encoding data onto OAM states. Our study can boost the capacity of acoustic communication links and offer potential to revolutionize relevant fields.