Topological Acoustic Metamaterials for Robust Wave Control

Over the past decade, topology has reshaped our understanding of wave physics, extending far beyond condensed matter systems into photonics and acoustics. One of its most striking consequences is the existence of edge, surface, and corner states that remain robust in the presence of defects, disorder, or imperfections.

In acoustics, this conceptual framework is realized through phononic crystals and acoustic metamaterials—engineered structures that enable exceptional control over the propagation of mechanical waves. Their macroscopic scale and experimental accessibility make them particularly well suited for investigating fundamental physical phenomena while simultaneously addressing practical challenges. Topological acoustic platforms have already demonstrated robust waveguiding and delay functionalities, and they hold strong promise for the development of phononic circuits resilient to fabrication tolerances. In elastodynamic systems, such approaches enable guided modes that are immune to defects, opening opportunities in optomechanics, acousto-optic devices, and acoustic signal processing. More broadly, they offer new avenues for high-performance sensing, vibration and noise mitigation, energy localization and harvesting, and advanced biomedical ultrasound technologies where robustness and confinement are critical.

This PhD project aims to investigate topological phenomena in acoustic metamaterials through an integrated approach combining design, numerical modeling, and experimental validation. The candidate will focus in particular on extending the concept of bulk–boundary correspondence to realistic and complex systems. The ultimate goal is to develop innovative strategies for controlling sound and vibrations, paving the way toward next-generation phononic devices and systems for signal processing, computing, and ultrasound applications.

The Institute Jean Lamour (IJL) is a joint research unit between CNRS and Université de Lorraine. The IJL is a laboratory of fundamental and applied research in materials science and process. Its fields of investigation cover materials, metallurgy, plasmas, surfaces, nanomaterials and electronics. The workforce is composed of 183 researchers/lecturers, 91 engineers/technicians/administrative staff, 150 doctoral students and 25 post-doctoral fellows. Partnerships exist with 150 companies and research groups collaborate with more than 30 countries arround the world. Its platforms are spread over 4 sites, the main one being located at the Artem campus in Nancy.

Master’s degree in Physics, Wave Physics, Mechanical Engineering, Applied Physics, Acoustics, Structural dynamics, Applied Mechanics, or equivalent.