On September 18, 2024, the Dynamo consortium gathered in Krakow for its third annual meeting, bringing together partners both in-person and online. Hosted by AGH, the meeting was an opportunity for the team to review accomplishments, discuss ongoing challenges, and prepare for the upcoming European Commission project review.

Project Milestones and Overcoming Hurdles
The meeting kicked off with a project overview, tracing Dynamo’s journey and challenges. Notably, the transition of Imperial College’s status due to Brexit and a few changes in work package leadership created delays. Despite these obstacles, the team has made steady progress in defining scientific goals and publishing impactful research. With an October review approaching, Dynamo remains on track to meet core objectives, including establishing a structural foundation as a spatial light modulator—a key scientific target.

Managing Deliverables and Staying on Schedule
During the management update, the team reviewed a project timeline covering the second year’s milestones and a roadmap for the third. Issues such as contracting delays and missed submission deadlines were addressed, along with solutions to keep the project on schedule. Monthly check-ins will now take place on a fixed date, helping ensure consistent attendance and coordination. Additionally, detailed guidelines for the upcoming periodic report were shared, underscoring the need for partner collaboration to meet submission requirements.

Expanding Communication and Outreach
The consortium’s communication efforts have been strong, led primarily by UJI, which has actively promoted the project’s work in publications, conferences, and other platforms. Partners were encouraged to contribute further to Dynamo’s visibility, from conference participation to media appearances. Additionally, plans were outlined for sharing public results, producing video abstracts, and releasing a new project overview called “Dynamo in a Nutshell.”

Technical Progress Across Work Packages

• Modeling Phononic Surfaces: Progress in this area focused on efficient methods for computing phononic surfaces and modeling interactions between structural elements. With a goal to speed up computational processes, the team explored strategies to simplify models and sought feedback on ways to optimize experimental setup.
• Vibrational Mode Optimization: A deep dive into vibrational frequencies revealed how variations in pillar height affect specific frequency modes. A two-step optimization strategy was proposed, which combines broad exploration with detailed fine-tuning to refine pillar configurations, enhancing the precision of frequency adjustments.
• Fabrication of Phononic Architectures: The team made strides in scalable nanostructure fabrication, overcoming challenges with material roughness by refining etching techniques. They’re now testing configurations that explore unique scattering properties, furthering insights into phononic behaviors.
• Sample Characterization: Innovations in sample characterization through picosecond ultrasound techniques are yielding diverse and stable signals. The team also explored using suspended membranes to concentrate acoustic energy. Upcoming experiments will leverage a liquid crystal spatial light modulator, enabling fine control over wavefront patterns.
• Application Development: With a focus on applying surface acoustic waves, the project is refining a laser setup to measure wave behaviors precisely. Future applications and potential patents were also on the agenda, as the team considers the next steps for practical use of their findings.

Looking Forward
The session wrapped up with advisory board feedback, with members commending Dynamo’s advancements, particularly in ultrasound applications. As the team prepares for the October project review, their focus remains on solidifying experimental setups and testing novel ideas.

Dynamo’s progress, challenges, and innovative approaches reflect the consortium’s commitment to pushing boundaries in acoustic and vibrational research. With renewed focus and a clear path ahead, the team is set to make exciting strides in the coming year.

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