Acoustic lensing and holographic reconstruction with metamaterials
Unmet Need
Manipulation of sound waves in air often requires many amps, transducers, and the electronics to control them, making applications like ultrasonic sensors for cars and wireless power transfer complex and power intensive. Acoustic holograms, which are conceptually similar to the more widely-known optical holograms, can be used to more precisely lens and direct sound waves to create more efficient ultrasonic sensors and wireless power transfer equipment – however, most acoustic holography techniques also require sophisticated circuitry and transducer arrays. There exists a need for new, efficient techniques for acoustic holography.
Technology
Duke inventors have developed a new, efficient approach to creating acoustic holograms. This approach greatly simplifies the transducer array to a single element, which is patterned with designs that manipulate incoming sound waves to reconstruct a desired acoustic pattern in the focal plane. Specifically, different arrangements of subwavelength labyrinthine unit blocks which are designed, 3D-printed, and then assembled into a metamaterial board that passively reconstructs an acoustic pattern. A change in the design and arrangement of the blocks leads to a corresponding change in the acoustic. This technology has been demonstrated in the lab in audible and ultrasonic ranges, showing good agreement with simulations.
Other Applications
Precise control of acoustic waves through holography could have wide-ranging applicability, including for medical imaging, therapeutic ultrasound delivery, consumer audio speakers, nontactile displays, acoustic manipulation and levitation of small objects, and more.
Advantages
- Compact and simple design
- Less power consumption
- Easily constructed using 3D printing or CNC milling
- Lower cost for construction and manufacturing