Researchers Develop Ultrasonic Glass Metamaterial
New microstructured glass architecture enables precise wavefront control for high-frequency acoustic applications.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Materials Science
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Scientists have engineered a new ultrasonic metamaterial using BK7 glass patterned via subsurface laser engraving. This architecture allows for advanced wavefront shaping at megahertz frequencies while overcoming the limitations of current polymeric alternatives.
Why it matters
Traditional 3D-printed materials often suffer from high absorptive losses and attenuation that restrict device size and power capabilities. This glass-based platform provides a stable, low-loss alternative for building complex acoustic components.
The process utilizes a 9 ns nanosecond laser to create 100-μm-scale microcracks within the glass. This method supports the production of large-area sources exceeding 5 cm in size.
The details
By focusing a high-peak-power pulsed laser into the bulk of the glass, researchers create precise fractures that form metamaterial regions with acoustic anisotropy. This technique was used to demonstrate various components, including lenses, gratings, waveguides, and acoustic holograms.
Timeline
October 21, 2026: Article publication date.
The Big Picture
This development shifts the discipline by moving away from reliance on polymer-based phase elements, which have historically limited device scalability. It effectively replaces the high-loss 3D-printed structures like the VeroClear resin with a glass-based platform that offers superior thermal stability.
This breakthrough could enable the development of more efficient, compact acoustic devices for medical imaging and industrial sensing. By allowing for larger-area sources and lower energy loss, the technology may eventually lead to higher-resolution diagnostic tools.
The takeaway
Using laser-engraved glass provides a robust, low-loss method for manipulating ultrasonic waves that polymers cannot match. Researchers can now design sophisticated acoustic components like waveguides and holograms with greater thermal and mechanical stability.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in Materials Science.
More information
Read the full results in the scientific research article.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Science.
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