Light And Sound Makes For New Mike
“With this optical microphone, a beam of light from an LED is transmitted through an optical fibre and a set of lenses”, explains Dr Andreas Braeuer, who heads the IOF Microoptics department. “This array of optical components splits the beam and focuses it onto a reflective membrane. The reflected light passes through the lenses to a fibre-optic receiver.” At each change in the optical signal, the membrane vibrates and its movement is converted into electrical current by a remote photodetector.
“The IOF has been especially helpful in working with us to improve the signal-to-noise ratio”, reports Dr Wolfgang Niehoff, research director at Sennheiser electronic.
The optical microphone can be made without metal parts, creating immunity to electromagnetic and magnetic interference. This allows the technology to be used in other applications such as scanners that use magnetic resonance imaging for medical examinations, allowing nervous patients to maintain contact with the outside world.
“The optical microphone can also be used to attenuate the noise level inside the scanner,” adds Niehoff. “Computer-generated anti-noise cancels out the noise recorded with the microphone. This makes the examination more bearable. We're already supplying to a manufacturer of such systems.”
Electronic microphones - particularly those hidden in clothing for use in performances - can short out when the user sweats. This is not a problem for the optical microphone, claims the IFO.
AngelTech Live III: Join us on 12 April 2021!
AngelTech Live III will be broadcast on 12 April 2021, 10am BST, rebroadcast on 14 April (10am CTT) and 16 April (10am PST) and will feature online versions of the market-leading physical events: CS International and PIC International PLUS a brand new Silicon Semiconductor International Track!
Thanks to the great diversity of the semiconductor industry, we are always chasing new markets and developing a range of exciting technologies.
2021 is no different. Over the last few months interest in deep-UV LEDs has rocketed, due to its capability to disinfect and sanitise areas and combat Covid-19. We shall consider a roadmap for this device, along with technologies for boosting its output.
We shall also look at microLEDs, a display with many wonderful attributes, identifying processes for handling the mass transfer of tiny emitters that hold the key to commercialisation of this technology.
We shall also discuss electrification of transportation, underpinned by wide bandgap power electronics and supported by blue lasers that are ideal for processing copper.
Additional areas we will cover include the development of GaN ICs, to improve the reach of power electronics; the great strides that have been made with gallium oxide; and a look at new materials, such as cubic GaN and AlScN.
Having attracted 1500 delegates over the last 2 online summits, the 3rd event promises to be even bigger and better – with 3 interactive sessions over 1 day and will once again prove to be a key event across the semiconductor and photonic integrated circuits calendar.
So make sure you sign up today and discover the latest cutting edge developments across the compound semiconductor and integrated photonics value chain.
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