Communications of the ACM
Lego-Like Wall Produces Acoustic Holograms
Duke University and North Carolina State University researchers have developed a system that can create and control three-dimensional acoustic holograms.
Credit: Duke University News
Researchers at Duke University and North Carolina State University have demonstrated a system that can create and control three-dimensional (3D) acoustic holograms.
Like visual holograms, which manipulate light to make it appear as though an object has materialized in empty space, sound waves can be formed into 3D patterns.
"Anybody can tell the difference between a single stereo speaker and a live string quartet playing behind them," says Duke doctoral student Yangbo Xie. "Part of the reason why is that the sound waves carry spatial information as well as notes and volume."
Researchers can create 3D sound patterns by using synthetic metamaterials resembling a wall of Lego blocks, with each block composed of 3D-printed plastic and containing a spiral; the tightness of the spiral affects the speed of the sound waves traveling through it. If one side of the sound wave is slower than the other, the sound will be bent toward the slow side.
Tests showed the device could manipulate incoming sound waves into certain shapes and concentrate sound waves into several loud spots of sound.
The researchers say the technology could revolutionize applications ranging from home stereo systems to medical ultrasound devices. "It's like an acoustic virtual reality display," says Duke professor Steve Cummer.
From Duke University News
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