An acoustic wave is modified by initiating excitation of an acoustic wave from a first location on a substrate to a second location on the substrate and selectively heating the second location of the substrate so as to alter a property of the second location. With such arrangements, the altered property of the second location modifies the acoustic wave to result in a modified acoustic wave that is propagated from the second location to a third location on the substrate. Related apparatus, systems, and methods are also described.