Haptics and Directional Audio Using Acoustic Metasurfaces

The ability to control acoustic fields offers many possible applications in loudspeaker design, ultrasound imaging, medical therapy, and acoustic levitation. Sound waves are currently shaped using phased array systems, even though the complex electronics required are expensive and hinder widespread use. Here we show how to control, direct, and manipulate sound using 2-dimensional, planar, acoustic metasurfaces that require only one driving signal. This offers the advantages of ease of use and versatility over currently available phased arrays. We demonstrate the creation of a haptic sensation and steering of a beam produced by a parametric speaker. This simple, yet highly effective, method of creating single-beam manipulators could be introduced in medical or manufacturing applications.