Elemental artificial cell for acoustic lens

An acoustic tool, comprising:

• a transducer configured to generate and detect an acoustic wave;
• a lens spaced-apart from the acoustic source;
• the lens having a planar surface bounded by a plurality of edges, wherein the acoustic wave enters the lens via at least one of the plurality of edges and travels along a axis that is parallel to the planar surface;
• the lens including at least one lens element having:
• a hub;
• a plurality of spokes radiating from the hub, wherein each spoke includes a plurality of fingers, the plurality of fingers being circumferentially distributed around the hub,
• wherein the hub and the plurality of spokes are planar members arranged parallel to the planar surface.

A method for manipulating an acoustic wave, comprising:

• positioning a lens to receive the acoustic wave, the lens including:
• a hub;
• a plurality of spokes radiating from the hub, wherein each spoke has a plurality of junctures;
• and
• a plurality of fingers circumferentially distributed around the hub, wherein and at least one finger of the plurality of fingers is connected at each juncture, wherein the plurality of fingers have a planar surface bounded by a plurality of edges, the plurality of fingers being oriented to cause the acoustic wave to enter the plurality of fingers via at least one of the plurality of edges and travel along an axis that is parallel to the planar surface;
• positioning a transducer to generate the acoustical wave principally into a first edge of the lens;
• receiving the acoustic wave principally into the first edge of the lens;
• conveying the acoustic wave through the lens in a direction parallel to a face of the lens;
• and
• directing the acoustic wave from a second edge of the lens that is on a side opposite to the lens.

An acoustic tool, comprising:

• a transducer configured to generate and detect an acoustic wave;
• and
• a cell including:
• a hub;
• a plurality of spokes radiating from the hub, wherein each spoke has a plurality of junctures;
• and
• a plurality of fingers circumferentially distributed around the hub, wherein and at least one finger of the plurality of fingers is connected at each juncture, wherein the plurality of fingers have a planar surface bounded by a plurality of edges, the plurality of fingers being oriented to cause the acoustic wave to enter the plurality of fingers via at least one of the plurality of edges and travel along an axis that is parallel to the planar surface,
• wherein the transducer generates the acoustic signal to the cell principally in a direction parallel to the planar surface of the plurality of fingers.