Highly confined Love waves modes by defect states in a holey SiO2 /quartz phononic crystal

Abstract: Highly confined Love modes are demonstrated in a phononic crystal based on a square array of etched holes in SiO 2 deposited on the ST-cut quartz. An optimal choice of the geometrical parameters contributes to a wide stop-band for shear waves' modes. The introduction of a defect by removing lines of holes leads to the nearly flat modes within the band gap and consequently paves the way to implement advanced designs of electroacoustic filters and high-performance cavity resonators. The calculations are based on the finite element method in considering the elastic and piezoelectric properties of the materials. Interdigital transducers are employed to measure the transmission spectra. The geometrical parameters enabling the appearance of confined cavity modes within the band gap and the efficiency of the electric excitation were investigated.