Predicting Wave localization in Complex Structures from a Static Measurement

Predicting the spatial pattern of vibrational modes in complex systems remains a key scientific and engineering challenge with strong repercussions in various domains such as laser cavity design or musical instrument architecture. A recent theoretical breakthrough brings a new tool, called the "localization landscape", for retrieving crucial information on the spatial and frequency properties of these localized waves [1].

Here, this theory is tested experimentally for the first time by investigating wave localization for elastic waves in structured thin plates [2]. We show that regions of wave confinement can be predicted from the knowledge of the static deformation of the plate. These results reveal the predictive power of the "localization landscape" function, especially when a structural or microscopic description of the system is not accessible.

[1] M. Filoche, and S. Mayboroda, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 109, 14761-14766 (2012).

[2] G. Lefebvre, A. Gondel, M. Dubois, M. Atlan, F. Feppon, A. Labbé, C. Gillot, A. Garelli, M. Ernoult, S. Mayboroda, M. Filoche, and P. Sebbah, Phys. Rev. Lett. 117, 074301 (2016).