Title: Topological Acoustics Research @ NewFoS
Abstract: The NSF-funded New Frontiers of Sound (NewFoS) Science and Technology Center at the University of Arizona leads a collaboration of scientists, engineers, and educators including nine institutions of higher learning. NewFoS develops and applies insights from topological acoustics, more generally, geometric phase, to societal challenges. This talk will explore new one-way propagation of bulk waves, quantum analogues, and new sensing techniques for the built and natural environment. While topological protection of one-way propagation of edge modes (like topological insulators) has proven somewhat fragile, new one-way propagating acoustic waves have been identified in bulk systems. Acoustic metamaterials are used as platforms for quantum computing analogues. Non-destructive testing/evaluation of built infrastructure benefits from insights gained from geometric phase. Similarly, geometric phase changes in the natural environment can serve as signatures of significant events like the thawing of arctic permafrost.
About the Speaker: Dr. Keith Runge is the Knowledge Transfer Director of the New Frontiers of Sound (NewFoS) Science and Technology Center at the University of Arizona. NewFoS research exploits the full range of acoustic wave properties including geometric phase which leads to the emerging field of topological acoustics. Dr. Runge obtained a doctoral degree in physics from the University of Florida. With over 20 years of experience in industry, he founded BWD Associates, LLC in 2004 which owned and operated before taking his current position.
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