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Visualization of Bloch waves and domain walls

Nature volume 398, pages 114–115 (1999)Cite this article

Abstract

The theory of wave propagation in periodic structures1 and its major concept, Bloch's theorem, have typically been assigned to the realm of solid-state physics2, but they are now becoming useful in optics3, acoustics4 and hydrodynamics5. Bloch's theorem is constructive and aesthetic, starting from the idea of perfect order and dealing with infinite extended states. But Bloch's solution is unstable against a small amount of disorder.

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Figure 1: Extended Bloch states at excitation frequencies of 22, 30 and 35 Hz (from top to bottom).
Figure 2: Localized domain walls between robust standing-wave domains.

References

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  3. Yablonovitch, E. & Gmitter, T. J. Phys. Rev. Lett. 63, 1950–1953 (1989).

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto de Fsica Aplicada, Serrano 144, 28006, Madrid, Spain

    M. Torres & J. P. Adrados

  2. Instituto de Acstica, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientficas, Serrano 144, 28006, Madrid, Spain

    F. R. Montero de Espinosa

Authors
  1. M. Torres
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  2. J. P. Adrados
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  3. F. R. Montero de Espinosa
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Torres, M., Adrados, J. & Montero de Espinosa, F. Visualization of Bloch waves and domain walls. Nature 398, 114–115 (1999). https://doi.org/10.1038/18135

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