American Scientists Invent «Virtual Headphones»
Scientists from the University of Pennsylvania have unveiled a remarkable breakthrough: a technology that beams sound directly to a single listener, leaving everyone else undisturbed. Dubbed «audio enclaves», these sonic pockets mimic the experience of «virtual headphones», letting you enjoy music or messages in a crowded space without a whisper escaping to those around you.
The magic lies in ultrasound waves, imperceptible to the human ear. By crossing two ultrasonic beams with slightly different frequencies, researchers create an audible sound at their intersection point. This sound’s frequency matches the difference between the two beams, allowing pinpoint precision in targeting a specific spot. To steer these waves, the team employs «acoustic metasurfaces»—ingenious materials that act like lenses for sound, bending it around obstacles with ease.
The technology has already proven its chops in testing. Using a mannequin fitted with microphones, the team confirmed that sound remains confined to the intended zone. For now, «audio enclaves» operate within a range of about one meter, delivering audio at the volume of a casual conversation. Though still in its infancy, the invention brims with potential. Imagine museums and libraries where visitors enjoy audio guides without a ripple of disturbance, or cities harnessing these sound pockets to combat noise pollution in the future.
