Observation of topological charge transformations in acoustic vortex using passive periodic systems

Abstract

Vortex transmutation utilizes a periodic system, which not only enables the alteration of the topological charge (TC) of unstable input vortices but also facilitates their transformation into stable structures. This approach is crucial for investigating the characteristics of vortices in various wave systems. Here, we achieve acoustic vortex TC transmutation by employing a well-designed dual-structured plate external system (DPES). The interactions between the acoustic vortex and the finite-order discrete rotational symmetry lead to the transformation of its topological charge when complete rotational symmetry is broken to Nth-order discrete symmetry. Our results experimentally demonstrate the acoustic vortex TC transmutation based on passive artificial structures, enabling numerous applications in particle manipulation and information multiplexing as well as advancing our understanding and control over free-space acoustic vortices.