Programmable Moving Defect for Spatiotemporal Wave Localization in Piezoelectric Metamaterials

In this work, we experimentally demonstrate the concept of space-time wave localization using programmable defects. The dynamic properties of the local resonators of an electromechanical metamaterial, comprising piezoelectric elements connected to synthetic impedance circuits, are digitally controlled to modulate a trivial point defect in space and time. The experimental results show that the vibration energy is gradually transferred and localized over subsequent unit cells according to the defect position. The practical realization of space-time wave localization using programmable defects in elastic metamaterials may enable innovative solutions for information transmission, multiplexing and demultiplexing, sensing, and coding.