We report on the observation of Wannier-Stark ladders in the bending vibrations of elastic beams. By introducing a gradient in the length distribution of N weakly coupled beams, the elastic equivalent of the Wannier-Stark ladder is obtained in a system governed by two coupled second-degree differential equations, instead of the common wave equation, and whose oscillations are also dispersive and, above a certain critical frequency, occur with two wavelengths. We have measured for the first time, not only the spectrum of the ladders, but the wave amplitudes in this type of system, which are not directly accessible in quantum-mechanical systems, and we have found that the wavelengths are spatially localized and in good agreement with the theoretically predicted amplitudes. Due to the combination of differential equations and the boundary conditions imposed on the system, the Wannier-Stark ladder phenomenon occurs from the third band of states onwards, unlike other classical systems.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.