Abstract

A new concept in sound pressure detection, the phosphorescence microphone, is introduced. This device replaces the diaphragm of a microphone with a thin film of pressure sensitive paint. Dynamic changes in pressure are detected by monitoring the changes in phosphorescent intensity that are due to cyclical variations in oxygen partial pressure in the sound wave. To test this new device, the acoustic resonance spectrum of a closed cylinder is measured and compared to the spectrum obtained with a commercial electret microphone. Oscillations in phosphorescent intensity that occur at the frequency of sound are observed, and the magnitude of these oscillations is dependent on sound pressure. Several experiments are presented to confirm that the spectrum obtained with the phosphorescence microphone is due to the oxygen sensitivity of the pressure sensitive paint. In addition to detecting sound, this device has shown efficacy in testing pressure sensitive paints for high frequency, low differential pressure applications. The phosphorescence microphone was used to show that selected pressure sensitive paints could detect acoustic pressure changes as small as 6 Pa in the frequency range 150–3500 Hz on a background of 105 Pa.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.