The researchers tested designed phononic nanomaterials with an automated genetic algorithm that responded to pulses of light with controlled vibrations. The work could help develop next-generation sensors and computing devices.
The advent of quantum computers promises to revolutionize computing by solving complex problems faster 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 transfer. Phonons also provide better facilitation. Communication Within quantum computers, a network allows them to be interconnected. Nanophonic materials, which are artificial nanostructures with specific phononic properties, will be essential for next-generation quantum networking and communication devices. However, it is difficult to design phononic crystals with desired vibrational properties at the nano- and microscales.
In a study recently published in the journal ACS NanoResearchers at the Institute of Industrial Science, University of Tokyo have experimentally proven a new genetic algorithm for automated inverse design — which generates a structure based on desired properties — of phononic crystal nanostructures that control sound waves in materials. allows . “Recent advances in artificial intelligence and inverse design offer the possibility of finding irregular structures that exhibit unique properties,” explains Michel Diego, lead author of the study. Genetic algorithms use simulation to re-evaluate proposed solutions, passing their characteristics, or 'genes', on to the next generation as optimal. A sample device designed and fabricated with this new method was tested with light scattering experiments to establish the effectiveness of the approach.
The team was able to measure vibrations on two-dimensional phononic 'metacrystals', which consisted of a periodic arrangement of tiny designed units. They showed that the device allows vibration along one axis, but not along a perpendicular direction, and thus can be used for acoustic focusing or waveguides. “By expanding the search for better structures with complex shapes beyond normal human intuition, it may be possible to rapidly and automatically design devices with precise control of acoustic wave propagation properties,” says senior author, Masahiro Nomura. goes.” The approach is expected to be applied to surface acoustic wave devices used in quantum computers, smartphones and other devices.