Pressure wave sensor using levitated mass

Abstract

A mass is levitated with respect to a base, at least one of which is comprised of a diamagnetic material, with the levitated mass also having a permanent magnetic property. A second permanent magnet is optionally configured such that it attracts the levitation mass away from the base to overcome gravitational force on the mass, thereby suspending the mass over the surface of the base. The mass is contained in a nonmagnetic, non-shielding and optionally optically-transparent housing so as to limit its excursion within a range of levitation positions. A position measurement means such as a laser interferometer, capacitance detector, or pickup coil is configured to measure positional deviations of the mass in response to incident pressure wave, the output of which being an electronic signal representing the pressure wave.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS (CLAIMING BENEFIT UNDER 35 U.S.C. 120)[0001] This patent application is related to docket number AUS920030287US1, patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on ______ (to be amended to include serial number and filing date), by Viktors Berstis.INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE[0002] The related patent application is related to docket number AUS920030287US1, patent application Ser. No. ______, filed on ______ (to be amended to include serial number and filing date), by Viktors Berstis, is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, including figures.FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT[0003] This invention was not developed in conjunction with any Federally sponsored contract.MICROFICHE APPENDIX[0004] Not applicable.[0005] 1. Field of the Invention[0006] This invention relates to methods and devices for converting audio waves into electronic signals such as microphones, hydrophones, and sonic transducers.[0007] 2. Background of ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

The characteristics of the mechanical suspension method (e.g. film over a round opening, film over an oval opening, etc.), the physical characteristics of the suspension material itself (e.g. thickness and elasticity of the film) determine, and the physical and electrical characteristics of the sensor material during flexing or bending give rise to response non-linearities, complex resonance phenomena, and loss of efficiency in wave-to-signal conversion.

For example, given certain dimensions, shapes and material characteristics, a particular sensor may be useful for a range of audible frequencies from 400 Hz to 4 kHz, but may not be responsive or useful for frequencies below 400 Hz (e.g. seismic measurements) or above 4 kHz (e.g. music and ultrasound).

And, this particular combination of materials and shapes will often have complex harmonic characteristics and multiple resonant frequencies.

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