A quantum graph approach to metamaterial design

In this section, we will discuss the experimental setup used to investigate the properties of a metamaterial lattice. The researchers aimed to modify the lattice length to observe changes in wave behavior. The lattice structure, illustrated on the right, consists of four arms connected to the external environment. This connection is crucial for measuring surface waves, which allows for the analysis of wave propagation within the lattice.

To achieve a larger effective length, the researchers designed elements with varying leg lengths while maintaining a consistent lattice parameter. This experiment, conducted in the field of acoustics, was carried out by Timothy Starkey, Dale Moore, Peter Savage, and Gregory Chaplin, who are known for their expertise in this area.

The experimental setup features a plate with short legs on one side and long legs on the opposite side. Excitation is provided by a loudspeaker, while a scanning apparatus measures the surface waves on the plate. Additional components are included to minimize reflections, ensuring accurate measurements. This setup represents our first metamaterial configuration.