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Midair Single-Sided Acoustic Levitation in High-Pressure Regions of Zero-Order Bessel Beams

Yusuke Koroyasu1,*, Christopher Stone2, Yoichi Ochiai3,4,5,6, Takayuki Hoshi3, Bruce W. Drinkwater2, and Tatsuki Fushimi4,5,6,†

  • 1Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8550, Japan
  • 2School of Electrical, Electronic and Mechanical Engineering, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TR, United Kingdom
  • 3Pixie Dust Technologies, Inc., Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0028, Japan
  • 4R&D Center for Digital Nature, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8550, Japan
  • 5Institute of Library, Information and Media Science, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8550, Japan
  • 6Tsukuba Institute for Advanced Research (TIAR), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8577, Japan

  • *Contact author: koroyu@digitalnature.slis.tsukuba.ac.jp
  • †Contact author: tfushimi@slis.tsukuba.ac.jp
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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 094001 – Published 24 August, 2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1103/pfkh-4x7j

Abstract

Acoustic levitation enables noncontact manipulation using sound waves. While conventional methods entrap particles at pressure nodes (zero-pressure region surrounded by high pressure), we demonstrate stable acoustic levitation and translation in midair within a high-pressure axial core of a zero-order Bessel beam for the first time. The trap operates at a long working distance, up to 397 mm (46.6λ), supports simultaneous multiparticle levitation, and maintains stability over obstacles. Our work establishes a new paradigm for single-sided acoustic manipulation in midair.

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Phys. Rev. Lett. 137, 094001– Published 24 August, 2026
  • Received 8 October 2025
  • Revised 6 April 2026
  • Accepted 17 July 2026
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