Impulse Acoustics and Nonlinear Magnetoacoustics

Fluides, Interfaces Liquides & Micro-Systèmes

18 permanent researchers and teacher-researchers.

Manager: Nicolas TIERCELIN

The AIMAN-FILMS group focuses on the study of static, quasi-static and dynamic critical and supercritical phenomena in the multiphysics fields of functional electronics, acoustics and fluidics. Our scientific approach is based on an interdisciplinary approach, combining skills in physics, engineering and materials science to develop innovative solutions to contemporary challenges. Our activities are organised around 3 main themes and one cross-disciplinary theme.

Area 1: Micro and nanosystems (MEMS) and surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices.

• Micro-devices for intelligent and green transport We are developing micro-fluidic devices that combine small-scale fluid mechanics with other physical quantities to manipulate fluid flows and their metrology in transport and industrial systems. The aim is to reduce drag and increase the range, agility and safety of vehicles. Between 2018 and 2023, this activity saw a sharp rise in TRL (5/6) for the anemometric sensors developed, and are the subjects of a WP in the RESISTE targeted project of the Electronics PEPR.
• There was a lot of activity around the surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices These include: (i) for actuation purposes, such as the development of devices for cleaning surfaces, which led to a significant IP and the creation of the VISION start-up; (ii) for the production of passive multiphysical sensors that can be interrogated remotely; and (iii) for the production of filters and other devices for telecoms.
• The integration of a young researcher has initiated a promising activity on miniature atomic sensors à des fins de mesures de champs magnétiques et électriques mais ayant d’autres applications : sources de photons uniques, mémoires quantiques, etc.

Area 2: Fluidics and acoustics.

• Acousto-fluidics This theme concerns the use of ultrasonic acoustic waves to manipulate liquids and objects. In particular, we have developed acoustic tweezers, analogous to optical tweezers, for the micromanipulation of cells and micro-organisms. New concepts are also being studied, such as micro-swimmers for drug delivery.
• Fluids and Interfaces We study free-surface flows and various hydrodynamic phenomena, such as hydraulic jumps and jets. The team is particularly interested in understanding the effect of the presence of particles on modifying the properties of fluid interfaces. In this way, we have shown that it is possible to stabilise interfaces and obtain bubbles and anti-bubbles with extremely long lifetimes, which has been noted in the press (see portfolio).
• Acoustic imaging techniques : The group has considerable expertise in non-linear elastography techniques, which provide new tools for diagnostic imaging.

Area 3: Multiphysical magnetism.

The group works on the possibilities offered by couplings in thin-film magnetic materials, and in particular magneto-elastic coupling.

• THz Spintronic Emitters We have been working on this new type of THz emitter since 2018. We have demonstrated the possibility of controlling the direction of polarisation using a variable magnetic field, as well as using the magnetoelectric effect. With the Fraunhofer ITMW institute in Mainz, we have developed THz transmitters integrated into optical fibres, for which a patent application has been filed. This theme is part of the PEPR SPIN TOAST project.
• Coupling with SAW - Magneto-acoustic devices: Coupled with SAW devices, we can produce magnetic sensors because the elastic parameters of the layers vary greatly when the field is applied, which causes a change in the propagation speed of acoustic waves. This activity has been integrated into the Targeted ADAGE and SPINMAT projects of the PEPR SPIN programme, which started in 2023. Possible extensions to the quantum field are being explored.

Cross-disciplinary theme: Health applications.

The group has chosen to focus on health-related applications. The first interactions took place with local players, but progressed to the European level. This has resulted in the selection of European research projects, such as the SWEATPACH project on cancer biomarker sensors, and teaching projects, such as the ITN CanDoIt network on the same theme. The Group has also benefited from the creation of a CPJ Chair in Biotechnology.