Protecting coasts and structures from the destructive impact of water waves has been a long-standing challenge. Researchers from Sorbonne Université CNRS, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, University of Bristol, Le Mans Université CNRS, and Université PSL CNRS have been diligently working towards finding effective strategies to enable the absorption of water waves. In their recent publication in Physical Review Letters, they introduced a groundbreaking strategy based on the concept of Autler-Townes splitting, initially introduced by American physicists in the 1950s.
Having dedicated two decades to the study of water wave-related issues, the researchers focused their efforts on devising solutions specifically aimed at absorbing these waves for coastal protection and offshore structures. Their approach centered around developing resonant mechanisms, which led them to explore the potential application of Autler-Townes splitting.
Autler-Townes splitting is a well-known physical effect that occurs in two-level resonant systems. It refers to the splitting of two transition states into smaller “doublet” states, separated by what is known as Rabi oscillation. This effect has been observed in various physical systems, ranging from radio frequency sources to lasers and atoms. The researchers decided to leverage this established phenomenon to control the propagation of guided water waves.
To validate their theory, the research team conducted experiments, numerical simulations, and theoretical analyses. Through carefully designed asymmetric point-like scatterers consisting of two closely spaced resonant side channels connected to a guide, they successfully achieved the complete absorption of guided water waves. Their most significant result was the efficiency of absorption, whereby waves reflected and transmitted by the sub-wavelength device were completely suppressed. This breakthrough holds immense promise for coastal protection and the safeguarding of structures near water bodies.
Practical Implications
The team’s proposed strategy for the resonant absorption of water waves paves the way for further testing in laboratory and real-world settings. If its effectiveness is corroborated, it could revolutionize the approach to coastal regions by providing a means to control the energy of waves hitting shores and man-made structures. This, in turn, would significantly reduce the associated damage. Additionally, the broader application of this strategy extends to all structures near or at sea, with implications for their design and protection.
The researchers acknowledge the inherent complexity of water waves, which are characterized by their non-linear nature and wide spectral content. While this poses challenges, it is crucial for any practical application and has been taken into consideration in their proposed resonant absorption strategy.
The groundbreaking strategy introduced by the research team offers a ray of hope in the realm of water wave absorption. By exploiting Autler-Townes splitting, they have demonstrated the ability to efficiently control the propagation of water waves and achieve complete absorption. The potential applications for this discovery are vast, particularly in coastal protection and the safeguarding of coastal structures. As further testing and validation takes place, we may witness a substantial shift in how we protect our coasts and resistance against the destructive forces of water waves.
Leave a Reply