A New Material Developed to Absorb and Shape Sound

Scientists have developed a new material that can bend, shape and redirect sound waves.

Researchers from the University of Sussex and University of Bristol in the UK have produced a substance capable of creating negative refraction in sound waves through composite compounds called metamaterials. By arranging numerous small synthetic composite compounds into a layer that can bend sound waves passing through it, the researchers succeeded in slowing sound waves, confining them to specific acoustic fields, and subsequently focusing them on different areas.

It was noted that the new method will find applications across a broad range of fields, from the production of music and sound systems to medical imaging and sonic therapy. Large-scale layers could be used to transmit high-intensity sound from a specific source to different locations without requiring electrical transmission, and smaller-scale layers could benefit medical applications, such as directing ultrasonic waves to target tumours in a patient's body.

"Like pieces of acoustic Lego"

Dr. Gianluca Memoli from the Interact Laboratory at Sussex University, who led the research, said, "The metamaterials we used in the research can be three-dimensionally printed and then used to create any acoustic field you wish. They are like pieces of acoustic Lego."

Professor Sriram Subramanian, Director of the Interact Laboratory, emphasizing that the research aims to create devices that can shape sound with the flexibility comparable to how LCD screens and projectors direct light, stated, "Our research will pave the way for the production of spatial sound modulators capable of capturing and directing the refraction, diffusion and reverberation properties of sound."

Metamaterials had previously yielded highly successful results in directing light waves, and scientists had been able to produce a material surface that creates an effect similar to the invisibility cloak from the Harry Potter films through negative refraction.

The research findings were published in the journal Nature Communications.

Source: http://www.cnnturk.com/bilim-teknoloji/bilim/sesi-kiripsekillendiren-materyal-gelistirildi