In general, it can be stated that wave types which
have a high acoustic energy-density near the surface are
preferred for sensor applications: the more acoustic
energy is concentrated at the surface, the higher the
sensitivity for surface perturbations. These wave types
are referred to as surface acoustic waves (SAWS).
Rayleigh waves, Love waves, Lamb waves and surface
transverse waves belong to this group, while shear
horizontal acoustic plate modes do not. However, they
can be made sensitive by using thin plates