This innovation introduces a new class of fully reconfigurable, non-volatile acoustic devices that utilize phase change materials (PCMs) to create tunable patterns for controlling acoustic wave propagation. Unlike traditional acoustic components, which are fixed in function due to static material properties, this technology enables endless reconfiguration of functionality within a single device without the need for continuous power input. Leveraging PCMs that switch between two solid phases with significantly different mechanical properties, these devices allow for persistent, reversible structural changes that alter how sound travels through them. By unlocking a new method of manipulating acoustic signals, this technology opens the door to compact, multifunctional acoustic circuits for next-generation electronic systems. Whether integrated into smartphones or used in wireless communication hardware, these programmable devices can consolidate multiple acoustic functions into one, reduce component volume, and pave the way for smarter, more efficient sound-based processing platforms. Background: Current acoustic devices such as filters, sensors, and resonators are constrained by fixed material properties that limit them to a single function. These limitations create challenges for device miniaturization, performance adaptability, and long-term flexibility in consumer electronics. Traditional solutions require physically swapping components or redesigning hardware to accommodate different acoustic needs. While PCMs are already used in optics and memory storage, their potential in acoustic wave manipulation has remained unexplored—until now. This innovation uniquely capitalizes on the mechanical (not optical or electrical) differences between PCM states, allowing precise, low-loss control of sound in ways that fixed-function devices cannot. Applications:
Advantages: