Sub-wavelength phononic crystal liquid sensor

We introduce an acoustic liquid sensor based on phononic crystals consisting of steel plate with an array of holes filled with liquid. We both theoretically and experimentally demonstrate sensor properties considering the mechanism of the extraordinary acoustic transmission as underlying phenomenon. The frequency of this resonant transmission peak is shown to rely on the speed of sound of the liquid, and the resonant frequency can be used as a measure of speed of sound and related properties, like concentration of a component in the liquid mixture. The finite-difference time domain method has been applied for sensor design. Ultrasonic transmission experiments are performed. Good consistency of the resonant frequency shift has been found between theoretical results and experiments. The proposed scheme offers a platform for an acoustic liquid sensor. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi:10.1063/1.3610391]