By using the multiple scattering methods, we extend the study of negative refraction imaging effect to two-dimensional three-component phononic crystal consisting of square arrays of coated cylinders in liquid. We show that based on localized resonance mechanism, the first band of the phononic crystal is strongly depressed, which gives rise to circular constant frequency surfaces. The negative refraction and left-handed behaviors are demonstrated by simulation of a Gaussian beam through a finite system. High-quality far-field imaging by a superlens with a refractive index $n=-1$ is realized, which follows the well-known wave-beam negative refraction law. This three-component phononic crystal may thus serve as a good acoustic device in negative refractive imaging.

• Received 6 September 2005

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.73.054302