Measurement-aligned finite element modeling for predictive design of dual-port SAW resonators

Abstract

Surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators are attractive building blocks for biomimetic olfaction and gustation arrays because their narrowband spectral features support sensitive resonance tracking. However, key metrics such as quality factor (Q) and ripple are highly sensitive to modeling assumptions and to the external measurement chain, which often leads to a gap between idealized simulations and experimental spectra. Here we present a measurement-aligned finite element method (MA-FEM) workflow for dual-port resonant Rayleigh-wave SAW devices that systematically drives the model toward real operating behavior. The approach combines stable domain and meshing settings, physically constrained loss calibration, and compact lumped element loading to capture dominant parasitic effects. Using the validated model, we perform parameter sweeps and build “the number of interdigital transducer (IDT) electrode pairs (N₁) and reflector strips (N₂) to Q” design maps that provide actionable selection windows and reveal high Q solutions under footprint constraints through trade-offs between transduction strength and cavity feedback. This work offers a reproducible simulation driven route to reduce fabrication trial and error and to support array-oriented SAW sensor design.