Breaking the acoustic diffraction limit with an arbitrary shape acoustic magnifying lens

Abstract Based on the transformation acoustics methodology, the design principle for achieving an arbitrary shape magnifying lens (ASML) is proposed. Contrary to the previous works, the presented ASML is competent of realizing far-field high resolution images and breaking the diffraction limit, regardless of the position of the utilized sources. Therefore, objects locating within the designed ASML can be properly resolved in the far-field region. It is shown that the obtained material through the theoretical investigations becomes an acoustic null medium (ANM), which has recently gained a significant attention. Besides the homogeneity of ANM, which makes it an implementable material, it is also independent of the perturbation in the geometry of the lens, in such a way that the same ANM can be used for different structural topologies. The obtained ANM has been implemented via acoustics unit cells formed by membranes and side branches with open ends and then was utilized to realize an ASML with the aid of effective medium theory. It is shown that the far-field results of an ideal ASML abide well with the results of the implemented sample, validating the proposed design principle. The presented acoustic magnifying lens has a wide spectrum of possible applications ranging from medical imaging, and biomedical sensors to focused ultrasound surgery.