Acoustic Bessel-like beam generation using phononic crystals

Diffraction-free beams with large depth-of-field have a lot of potential in the field of acoustics, such as imaging, sensing, and particle manipulation. In this study, an acoustic Bessel-like beam is produced using an axicon-sonic crystal lens. The sonic crystal is created using cylindrical glass rods arranged in a triangular shape with a centered square lattice configuration. The numerical simulation between 4 and 8 kHz indicates that the axicon-sonic crystal converts the plane acoustic wave into a Bessel-like beam. The analysis of the beam indicates that the depth of field of this beam depends on the size and periodicity (lattice parameter) of the sonic crystal. The axicon lens also displays variable focal lengths at different frequencies. A graded index layer was implemented to mitigate the reflection caused by the significant impedance mismatch. Experimental validation of acoustic Bessel-like beam formation is also reported for the working frequencies. At 8 kHz, the measured range to the 50% on-axis intensity was 34λ, while the focus width at the same frequency was measured to be 2λ. The integration of three distinct design strategies—axicon shape, sonic crystal, and graded index—expands the possibilities for sound focusing applications.