We propose a simple solid-fluid layered structure where narrow Gaussian acoustic beam propagates practically without spreading. It is demonstrated that the coefficient (so-called diffraction coefficient), which defines the rate of linear spreading, vanishes if a certain relation between frequency and direction of propagation is hold. Unlike nonspreading “light bullets” recently proposed in optics, acoustic monochromatic signal can propagate in diffraction-free regime without sophisticated modulation. In the experiment with steel-water layered structure we observe nonspreading propagation of a signal with frequency ~ 100 kHz at a distance ~ 1m. Such long-range collimation is accompanied by negative phase velocity refraction, anomalous dispersion, and very strong anisotropy of the effective mass density. Such long-range collimation is accompanied by negative phase velocity refraction, anomalous dispersion, and very strong anisotropy of the effective mass density.
|