EPFL researchers have developed a 100% effective, ultra-thin active noise cancelling system that uses an ionized air plasma propulsion system instead of speakers. A 17mm (0.6 inch) thick layer can block 20 Hz noise as well as a 4m (13 ft) thick wall.
  • EPFL researchers have developed an ultra-thin active noise cancellation system based on an ionized air-plasma propulsion system.
  • The 17mm thick system blocks out 20Hz noise as well as a 4m thick wall.
  • Active noise cancellation (ANC) is based on the measurement and generation of pressure sound waves through speakers.
  • The EPFL Acoustic Group team tested the noise canceling capabilities of plasma ion speakers.
  • Ion speakers work like ion propulsion systems, using an electric field to ionize the air and create pressure waves.
  • The plasmacoustic metalayer system can completely suppress a sound wave as thin as one-thousandth of a wavelength.
  • EPFL has licensed the plasma-based technology from the Swiss company Sonexos for commercialization in various applications.
  • The study is publicly available on the Nature Communications website.
  • @Meowoem
    1•11 months ago

    I wonder what price they’ll be able to bring it to market at, could be a game changer in so many situations. Recording studios is the obvious first use but if it’s affordable the maybe clubs and live venues won’t need to worry about noise complaints, same for industrial sites.

    It might even get cheap enough that it’s suitable for residential use, would be amazing being able to block my deaf neighbours TV.