Researchers from the University of Bristol and the University of Sussex have developed a new 3D printed metamaterial that can change the way sound is transmitted. They believe their work will one day be widely used, from improving the sound of concert halls to making high-intensity ultrasound to destroy tumors. The idea is similar to the control of light, whether it is focusing or illuminating the entire room. With researchers' acoustic metamaterials, they want to be able to amplify or pinpoint sound.
Dr. Gianluca Memoli, a lecturer and head of new interface and interaction research at the University of Sussex, said: "Acoustic metamaterials are ordinary materials, such as plastic, paper, wood or rubber. But by design, their internal geometry can shape the transmission of sound. "
Researchers' work includes 3D printing metamaterials into bricks similar to Lego bricks. Then put the bricks together and manipulate the sound waves in a variety of ways. For example, when sound waves are entangled, it can be slowed down. Certain frequency ranges can be dispersed, filtered, or focused, making them ideal materials for problematic sound environments.
Memoli added that although the concept of "acoustic lens" has been around for about 50 years, this is the first time a sound system with a "practical" size lens has been explored.
Research writer Letizia Chisari said: "In the future, acoustic metamaterials may change the way we deliver sound in concerts and theaters, ensuring everyone can really get what they pay for Coming sound. "We're developing a sound feature that can get closer to sound than headphones that don't require headphones. "
Currently, only a small number of Lego bricks can be assembled together. Researchers are currently working to scale up the technology. Future applications may include using a microphone to determine if the machine's widgets are working properly.
Jonathan Eckers, a undergraduate student in computer science at the University of Sussex, explains, "Although our prototype is simple, it lowers the bar for designing novel sound experiences: acoustic metamaterial-based devices will deliver, experience and even think about sound New way. "