Researchers at the Advanced Science Research Center (CUNY ASRC) have developed an innovative new technique for manipulating sound. This novel technology utilizes mechanical vibrations, inspired by the field of Twistronics. Twistronics was originally conceived for use in electronics. Now, mimicking an important property of all waves, it has been adapted to control mechanical waves, a fundamental development for the field. This creative new design lets engineers manipulate wave action to redirect it by twisting together two pieces of intricately designed surfaces.
The research, published in a recent journal article titled “Twisting sound: Scientists discover a new way to control mechanical vibrations in metamaterial,” demonstrates how the combination of two identical metasurfaces stacked and rotated at different angles can alter the propagation of vibrations. This realization unveils exciting opportunities for novel applications in next-generation imaging, electronics, and sensor technology.
Understanding Twistronics and Its Application
Twistronics or artificial latitude addressed this concept by precisely swapping just two adjacent layers of material, giving researchers previously unheard-of power and control over the electronic properties. Researchers have recently achieved the mechanical wave equivalent, an impressive step that demonstrates just how versatile this technology can be.
This work demonstrates that researchers have only begun their capabilities to control mechanical waves. They accomplish this by actively rolling two stacks of novel surfaces. Such flexibility enables the material to alternate among multiple topologies that guide wave propagation. This opens the door to a transformative new approach to controlling and reaping the benefits of wave action.
Andrea Alù is an Einstein and Distinguished Professor of Physics at the CUNY Graduate Center. As the first chief of the Photonics Initiative at the CUNY ASRC, he was perhaps best positioned to emphasize the importance of this discovery.
“Our work shows that by simply twisting these two layers, we can achieve extreme control over mechanical waves,” – Andrea Alù
The implications of this research are vast. To create sophisticated new technologies, scientists and engineers carefully control mechanical waves to design new devices. Collectively, these innovations drastically expand what can be sensed and communicated.
Potential Applications and Future Directions
Development of new metasurfaces capable of controlling sound and vibration through twisting opens up new possibilities for creative applications in telecommunications, defense, medicine, and beyond. One of the most promising applications of this technology is in medical imaging, where it can improve image resolution and depth perception. In electronics, it can spark the creation of further advances in energy efficient signal processing systems.
Beyond the materials themselves, the discovery has profound implications for sensor technology. As Andrea Alù stated,
“This opens the door to new technologies for sensing, communication, and signal processing,” – Andrea Alù
By harnessing the power of twisted surfaces, researchers can create devices that respond dynamically to their environments, improving accuracy and functionality across numerous applications.
Research Publication and Impact
The groundbreaking research being done by CUNY ASRC has received recognition as some of the most innovative and transformative work in the scientific community. The findings were published with a DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2427049122 in October 2025, and they have already garnered attention from various sectors interested in the practical applications of this technology.
Whether or not this specific dream proves true, scientists are now actively exploring Twistronics-inspired techniques. This applied research in active sound and vibration control is poised to produce revolutionary leaps in technology. CUNY ASRC is deeply committed to exemplary leading practice in physics and engineering. Their commitment to this effort is exemplified through their longitudinal research.