A new and very unique audio speaker has been created that is stretchy, filled with gel, and totally transparent. This innovative speaker is the very first to use ions in place of electronics to generate sound.
A team led by Zhigang Suo of Harvard University has created this groundbreaking speaker, which utilizes the flow of charged atoms called ions, rather than the electrons that carry charge in traditional electrical devices.
The team of researchers combined saltwater, which is packed with dissolved ions that are free to move around, with a polymer to create a flexible but solid substance known as a hydrogel. The speaker was then created by sandwiching a thin sheet of transparent, insulating rubber between two layers of gel, which were both connected to copper electrodes. Watch the video below to see it in action. The New Scientist website explains:
“Hydrogels are inexpensive and easy to make but the problem is they don’t last long. They dry out as their water evaporates. In order to develop longer-lasting devices, Suo is seeking alternative, flexible ionic conductors that do not readily evaporate. ‘The current work is really a proof of concept,’ he says.”
Innovative Use of Ions
The use of ions instead of electrons is a significant departure from conventional electronic devices. Ions are charged atoms or molecules, and their movement can be harnessed to create various functionalities. In this case, the ions in the hydrogel move in response to an applied electric field, causing the gel to vibrate and produce sound. This method opens up new possibilities for creating flexible, transparent, and even stretchable electronic devices.
The hydrogel used in this speaker is a fascinating material. Hydrogels are networks of polymer chains that are hydrophilic, meaning they can hold a large amount of water. This property makes them soft and flexible, similar to natural tissues. The combination of these properties with ionic conductivity makes hydrogels an exciting material for various applications, including soft robotics, medical devices, and now, audio speakers.
Challenges and Future Prospects
One of the main challenges with hydrogels is their tendency to dry out as water evaporates. This limits their longevity and practical use in devices that need to operate over extended periods. To address this, Zhigang Suo and his team are exploring alternative flexible ionic conductors that do not evaporate as readily. This research is crucial for developing more durable and reliable hydrogel-based devices.
The current work on the ionic gel speaker is a proof of concept, demonstrating the potential of using ions for sound generation. However, there is still much work to be done to refine the technology and make it commercially viable. Future research will likely focus on improving the durability of the hydrogel, enhancing the sound quality, and exploring other applications of this technology.
For example, imagine a future where your smartphone screen doubles as a speaker, or where wearable devices can produce sound without the need for traditional speakers. The flexibility and transparency of the hydrogel speaker could also lead to new types of displays and interactive surfaces that integrate audio capabilities seamlessly.
The development of the ionic gel speaker by Zhigang Suo and his team represents a significant advancement in materials science and audio technology. By harnessing the unique properties of hydrogels and ions, they have created a new type of speaker that is flexible, transparent, and capable of producing sound. This innovation opens up exciting possibilities for the future of electronic devices and demonstrates the potential of combining materials science with creative engineering.
Source: New Scientist : Gizmodo
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