Export citation

Export citation

Choose format for download:

Download Citation

    Unidirectional quasi-Love-mode ridge waveguides on LiNbO3-on-SiC for low-loss wideband acoustic transmission

    Yun-Fei Cheng1,*, Zhen-Hui Qin1,*, Cheng-Zhe Cao1, Si-Yuan Yu1,2,3,†, and Yan-Feng Chen1,2,3,‡

    • 1National Laboratory of Solid-State Microstructures & Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
    • 2Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Microstructures, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China
    • 3Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Artificial Functional Materials, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210093, China

    • *These authors contributed equally.
    • †Contact author: yusiyuan@nju.edu.cn
    • ‡Contact author: yfchen@nju.edu.cn

    Phys. Rev. Applied 23, 064054 – Published 24 June, 2025

    DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/kcxd-tdjy

    Abstract

    Acoustic-wave devices in the microwave regime are pivotal to next-generation wireless communications, the Internet of Things, and burgeoning quantum technologies. Here, we present a lithium niobate on a silicon carbide (LiNbO3-on-SiC) ridge waveguide platform engineered to harness quasi-Love-mode surface acoustic waves with strong lateral confinement and low propagation loss. By leveraging the velocity mismatch between LiNbO3 and SiC, acoustic waves are steered efficiently along the ridge. To surmount persistent limitations in bandwidth (BW) and insertion loss (IL), we integrate single-phase unidirectional transducers (SPUDTs) and tapered waveguide structures. Experimental data reveal that, compared to conventional interdigital transducers, SPUDTs markedly extend the passband and lower IL, achieving a minimum of 2.81 dB. Further introducing taper structures reduces IL to 2.53 dB over a BW exceeding 150 MHz, all while preserving favorable propagation characteristics. In addition, we demonstrate bent waveguides and Y-shaped splitters that maintain robust performance, underscoring the quasi-Love-mode resilience to curvature. Altogether, this SPUDT-based ridge waveguide platform delivers low-loss, wideband acoustic-transmission lines poised for advanced phononic-integrated circuits, spanning both classical signal processing and hybrid quantum applications.

    Physics Subject Headings (PhySH)

    Authorization Required

    We need you to provide your credentials before accessing this content.

    References (Subscription Required)

    Outline

    Information

    Sign In to Your Journals Account

    Filter

    Filter

    Article Lookup

    Enter a citation