A method for probing the elastic properties of newly developed periodic str
uctures using acoustic waves is introduced. Highly anisotropic transmission
of surface acoustic waves is observed by continuously scanning the wave ve
ctor angle. Preliminary models of wave propagation through multilayers and
two-dimensional lattices explain some of the experimental features, while o
ther features can be attributed to the resonant excitation of interface wav
es. [S0163-1829(99)04834-1].