Insight into the Propagation of Interface Acoustic Waves in Rotated YX-LiNbO3/SU-8/Si Structures

The propagation of interface acoustic waves (IAWs) along rotated YX-LiNbO3/SU-8/ZX-Si structures is theoretically investigated to identify the Y-rotation angles that support the efficient propagation of low-loss modes guided along the structure’s interface. A three-dimensional finite element analysis was performed to simulate IAW propagation in the layered structure and to optimize design parameters, specifically the thicknesses of the platinum (Pt) interdigital transducers (IDTs) and the SU-8 adhesive layer. The simulations revealed the existence of two types of IAWs travelling at different velocities under specific Y-rotated cuts of the LiNbO3 half-space. These IAWs are faster than the surface acoustic wave (SAW) and slower than the leaky SAW (LSAW) propagating on the surface of the bare LiNbO3 half-space. The mechanical displacement fields of both IAWs exhibit a rapid decay to zero within a few wavelengths from the LiNbO3 surface. The piezoelectric coupling coefficients of the IAWs were found to be as high as approximately 7% and 31%, depending on the Y-rotation angle. The theoretical results were experimentally validated by measuring the velocities of the SAW and LSAW on a bare 90° YX-LiNbO3 substrate, and the velocities of the IAWs in a 90° YX-LiNbO3/SU-8/Si structure featuring 330 nm thick Pt IDTs, a 200 µm wavelength, and a 15 µm thick SU-8 layer. The experimental data showed good agreement with the theoretical predictions. These combined theoretical and experimental findings establish design principles for exciting two interface waves with elliptical and quasi-shear polarization, offering enhanced flexibility for fluidic manipulation and the integration of sensing functionalities.