Magnetically Transduced Surface Acoustic Wave Devices

A novel type of surface acoustic wave (SAW) device is introduced, in which coupling between the transducer and the acoustic medium is achieved using a magnetostrictive thin film. These MTSAW (magnetically-transduced SAW) devices have several advantages over conventional piezoelectric SAWs, and may expand the functionality of SAW devices in general. Several possible designs are presented, along with data from two prototypes. Results from these devices are promising, and indicate that several acoustic modes, both surface and bulk, can be stimulated.