Researchers from the Institute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo tested phononic nanomaterials designed with an automated genetic algorithm that responded to light pulses with controlled vibrations. This work may help in the development of next-generation sensors and computer devices.

The advent of quantum computers promises to revolutionize computing by solving complex problems exponentially more rapidly than classical computers. However, today’s quantum computers face challenges such as maintaining stability and transporting quantum information. Phonons, which are quantized vibrations in periodic lattices, offer new ways to improve these systems by enhancing qubit interactions and providing more reliable information conversion. Phonons also facilitate better communication within quantum computers, allowing the interconnection of them in a network. Nanophononic materials, which are artificial nanostructures with specific phononic properties, will be essential for next-generation quantum networking and communication devices. However, designing phononic crystals with desired vibration characteristics at the nano- and micro-scales remains challenging.

In a study recently published in the journal ACS Nano, researchers from UTokyo-IIS experimentally proved a new genetic algorithm for the automatic inverse design—which outputs a structure based on desired properties—of phononic crystal nanostructures that allows the control of acoustic waves in the material. “Recent advances in artificial intelligence and inverse design offer the possibility to search for irregular structures that show unique properties,” explains lead author of the study, Michele Diego. Genetic algorithms use simulations to iteratively assess proposed solutions, with the best passing on their characteristics, or ‘genes,’ to the next generation. Sample devices designed and fabricated with this new method were tested with light scattering experiments to establish the effectiveness of this approach.

The team was able to measure the vibrations on a two-dimensional phononic ‘metacrystal,’ which had a periodic arrangement of smaller designed units. They showed that the device allowed vibrations along one axis, but not along a perpendicular direction, and it can thus be used for acoustic focusing or waveguides. “By expanding the search for optimized structures with complex shapes beyond normal human intuition, it becomes possible to design devices with precise control of acoustic wave propagation properties quickly and automatically,” says senior author, Masahiro Nomura. This approach is expected to be applied to surface acoustic wave devices used in quantum computers, smartphones and other devices.

The article, “Tailoring Phonon Dispersion of Genetically Designed Nanophononic Metasurface,” was published in ACS Nano at DOI:10.1021/acsnano.4c01954

Image: Control structure of elastic waves automatically designed using genetic algorithm
Credit: Masahiro Nomura Laboratory

Professor Masahiro Nomura