This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Scientists have developed a new acoustic levitation technique using an ultrasonic beam capable of levitating and moving small objects in midair over distances of up to 40 cm (16 inches), six times farther than previously achieved using conventional methods. The study, carried out by a research team from the University of Tsukuba in Japan and the University of Bristol, was published in the journal Physical Review Letters.
Acoustic levitation is a technique that uses sound waves to suspend objects in midair without physical contact—meaning it has the potential to be beneficial for handling fragile materials, contamination-sensitive samples and hazardous substances. Conventional acoustic levitation systems rely on sound waves generated within an enclosed space, but the new technique is the first time a single-sided design has demonstrated stable acoustic levitation in three dimensions. Professor Bruce Drinkwater, professor of ultrasonics at the University of Bristol, explained, "When you have a conventional acoustic levitator, the sound waves from opposing directions stabilize the object within the device.
Past attempts to develop single-sided levitators have struggled because the force that keeps the object in place gets weaker as the object moves farther from the source. "Eventually, the force starts pushing the object away instead of holding it steady, making long-distance levitation impossible. To overcome this, we used a special type of ultrasonic beam called a zero-order Bessel beam, which, unlike a normal sound beam, stays narrow and maintains a high-intensity central core over a much longer distance." By exploiting the Bessel beam's unique properties, the researchers successfully achieved stable levitation of a 1.5 mm-diameter polystyrene sphere at distances of up to 40 cm (16 inches) from the sound source, approximately six times farther than previously achieved using single-sided acoustic traps.
The team was able to manipulate the levitated object in three dimensions using ultrasound from only one side and levitate multiple objects, non-spherical objects and objects located beyond other physical objects. Professor Tatsuki Fushimi from the University of Tsukuba said, "Because our technique enables long-range, noncontact manipulation in open environments, we anticipate this method could be used for automated experiments, three-dimensional displays, handling fragile materials and hazardous substances." Yusuke Koroyasu et al, Midair Single-Sided Acoustic Levitation in High-Pressure Regions of Zero-Order Bessel Beams, Physical Review Letters (2026). DOI: 10.1103/pfkh-4x7j Journal information: Physical Review Letters BA art history, MA material culture.
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