Time Varying Resonators in Acoustic Waveguides: A Transfer Matrix Formalism for Space-time Modulated Metamaterials

Abstract: The transfer matrix method remains a simple yet powerful tool for modeling acoustic systems, particularly in a closed waveguide geometry. Here we present a generalisation of this method based on the theory of mode matching, that incorporates the effect of ultra--fast temporal variations in the geometry, applying it to a system of side-branching resonant cavities (quarter wavelength resonators) fixed to an acoustic waveguide, modulated through alteration of the cavity length. We calculate propagation in a waveguide containing both a single resonator and a periodic array. In particular we predict the generation of additional Doppler-like terms in the reflected and transmitted fields that leads to modification of the band structure, comparing our results to finite element simulations of space-time modulated acoustic crystals.