Research topics

• General microacoustic phenomena
• New design principles for SAW devices
• High-precision material characterization
• Microacoustic sensors and actuators

Surfaces Dynamics – this means to us research on high frequency ultrasound phenomena going along with Surface Acoustic Waves (SAW) as well as with Bulk Acoustic Waves (BAW) - all combined with the investigation of polar dielectric materials in order to gain a thorough understanding for applications in modern microacoustics, for implementation of new device principles and for material innovations finally resulting in a higher device performance. Our work is dedicated to fundamentals as well as to applied research. Besides collaboration with scientific groups, our specialty is a very intense co-operation with industrial partners. Hereby, the current field of interest comprises concepts, materials and applications of surface acoustic waves. Investigation of general phenomena in crystal acoustics is an important base for us to develop new device concepts including advanced design principles and improved methods for physical modelling of SAW-based frequency filters. This strongly application oriented research is usually executed in direct collaboration with industry. Another essential is detailed knowledge of acoustic properties, especially for the application of new promising materials. For this reason, we precisely characterize solid state materials like single crystals, ceramics and layered structures with respect to their elastic, dielectric, piezoelectric, ferroelectric and ferroelastic properties. Furthermore, we are active in the emerging trend of utilization of microacoustic elements as sensors and actuators. Examples are SAW- and BAW-based sensors for characterization of fluids as well as microfluidic mixers and atomizers.