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Generation of spatiotemporal acoustic vortices with arbitrarily oriented orbital angular momentum

Author

Listed:
  • Shuai Liu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Hao Ge

    (Nanjing University)

  • Xiang-Yuan Xu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Yuan Sun

    (Nanjing University)

  • Xiao-Ping Liu

    (ShanghaiTech University)

  • Ming-Hui Lu

    (Nanjing University
    Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials
    Nanjing University)

  • Yan-Feng Chen

    (Nanjing University
    Nanjing University)

Abstract

Despite extensive exploration of acoustic vortices carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM), the generation of acoustic vortices with OAM orientations beyond the conventional longitudinal direction remains largely unexplored. Spatiotemporal (ST) vortices, featuring spiral phase twisting in the ST domain and carrying transverse OAM, have recently attracted considerable interest in optics and acoustics. Here, we report the generation of three-dimensional (3D) ST acoustic vortices with arbitrarily oriented OAM, thereby opening up a new dimension in acoustic OAM control. By utilizing a two-dimensional (2D) acoustic phased array, we introduce two approaches to manipulate the orientation of OAM: through the direct rotation of vortices in 3D space and the intersection of vortices carrying distinct types of OAM. These methods enable unprecedented control over the orientation of acoustic OAM, providing a new degree of freedom in the manipulation of acoustic waves. The arbitrarily oriented OAM may enable more complex particle manipulation techniques. Our work establishes a foundation for future explorations into the complex dynamics of novel structured acoustic fields in the ST domain.

Suggested Citation

  • Shuai Liu & Hao Ge & Xiang-Yuan Xu & Yuan Sun & Xiao-Ping Liu & Ming-Hui Lu & Yan-Feng Chen, 2025. "Generation of spatiotemporal acoustic vortices with arbitrarily oriented orbital angular momentum," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-58154-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58154-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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