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Hydrogel microphones for stealthy underwater listening

Author

Listed:
  • Yang Gao

    (State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, International Center for Applied Mechanics and School of Aerospace, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University
    University of Nebraska)

  • Jingfeng Song

    (University of Nebraska
    Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska)

  • Shumin Li

    (University of Nebraska
    Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska)

  • Christian Elowsky

    (Center for Biotechnology, University of Nebraska)

  • You Zhou

    (Center for Biotechnology, University of Nebraska)

  • Stephen Ducharme

    (University of Nebraska
    Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska)

  • Yong Mei Chen

    (State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, International Center for Applied Mechanics and School of Aerospace, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Xi’an Jiaotong University)

  • Qin Zhou

    (University of Nebraska
    Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska)

  • Li Tan

    (University of Nebraska
    Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, University of Nebraska)

Abstract

Exploring the abundant resources in the ocean requires underwater acoustic detectors with a high-sensitivity reception of low-frequency sound from greater distances and zero reflections. Here we address both challenges by integrating an easily deformable network of metal nanoparticles in a hydrogel matrix for use as a cavity-free microphone. Since metal nanoparticles can be densely implanted as inclusions, and can even be arranged in coherent arrays, this microphone can detect static loads and air breezes from different angles, as well as underwater acoustic signals from 20 Hz to 3 kHz at amplitudes as low as 4 Pa. Unlike dielectric capacitors or cavity-based microphones that respond to stimuli by deforming the device in thickness directions, this hydrogel device responds with a transient modulation of electric double layers, resulting in an extraordinary sensitivity (217 nF kPa−1 or 24 μC N−1 at a bias of 1.0 V) without using any signal amplification tools.

Suggested Citation

  • Yang Gao & Jingfeng Song & Shumin Li & Christian Elowsky & You Zhou & Stephen Ducharme & Yong Mei Chen & Qin Zhou & Li Tan, 2016. "Hydrogel microphones for stealthy underwater listening," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 7(1), pages 1-11, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:7:y:2016:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms12316
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms12316
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