Title: Two Ultrasonic Beams Create Personal Address Audio

Researchers from the Penn State College of Engineering have made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of acoustics. By utilizing two nonlinear ultrasonic beams, they have been able to create what they call audible enclaves. These enclaves are localized pockets of sound zones where sound can only be perceived at the precise intersection point of the two ultrasonic beams.

Unlike traditional sound propagation, where sound waves spread out in all directions, audible enclaves offer a unique listening experience. In an enclave, a listener can hear sound while others standing nearby cannot, even if they are in an enclosed space or directly in front of the audio source.

The researchers detailed their findings in a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. They explained how the emission of two nonlinear ultrasonic beams can create these audible enclaves, providing a new way to control and manipulate sound waves.

Lead author Jing elaborated on the technology behind audible enclaves, stating, “We use two ultrasound transducers paired with an acoustic metasurface to emit self-bending beams that intersect at a specific point. This design allows for the creation of a privacy barrier between individuals, enabling private listening experiences.”

This innovative approach to sound manipulation opens up a world of possibilities for various applications. From enhancing privacy in public spaces to creating personalized audio experiences, audible enclaves have the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with sound. As researchers continue to explore the capabilities of this technology, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the field of acoustics.