Advancements toward a high-power, carbon nanotube, thin-film loudspeaker

Andrew R. Barnard; Timothy A. Brungart; Timothy E. McDevitt; Ali E. Aliev; David M. Jenkins; Brian L. Kline; Ray H. Baughman

doi:10.3397/1/376235

Advancements toward a high-power, carbon nanotube, thin-film loudspeaker

Andrew R. Barnard, Timothy A. Brungart, Timothy E. McDevitt, Ali E. Aliev, David M. Jenkins, Brian L. Kline, Ray H. Baughman

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

22 Scopus citations

Abstract

The carbon nanotube (CNT) thermophone has been explored as a novel loudspeaker. Potential advantages of this technology in the audio industry include ultra-lightweight, low production cost, compact size, and independence from rare-earth materials. In this paper, progress toward a practical CNT loudspeaker is presented. Large, high quality CNT thin-film assemblies are designed and built. Design guidance for these types of assemblies is provided. Maximum sound output level, total harmonic distortion, and power efficiency tests are performed. A maximum source level of 111 dBA at 1 m is achieved at 2 kHz with the new sources. The main hurdle to this technology remains power efficiency. Several paths forward are discussed as this technology continues to advance to a position where it may be able to compete with current state-of-the-art, moving-coil loudspeakers.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	360-367
Number of pages	8
Journal	Noise Control Engineering Journal
Volume	62
Issue number	5
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.3397/1/376235
State	Published - Sep 1 2014

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

Building and Construction
Automotive Engineering
Aerospace Engineering
Acoustics and Ultrasonics
Mechanical Engineering
Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

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10.3397/1/376235

Cite this

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title = "Advancements toward a high-power, carbon nanotube, thin-film loudspeaker",

abstract = "The carbon nanotube (CNT) thermophone has been explored as a novel loudspeaker. Potential advantages of this technology in the audio industry include ultra-lightweight, low production cost, compact size, and independence from rare-earth materials. In this paper, progress toward a practical CNT loudspeaker is presented. Large, high quality CNT thin-film assemblies are designed and built. Design guidance for these types of assemblies is provided. Maximum sound output level, total harmonic distortion, and power efficiency tests are performed. A maximum source level of 111 dBA at 1 m is achieved at 2 kHz with the new sources. The main hurdle to this technology remains power efficiency. Several paths forward are discussed as this technology continues to advance to a position where it may be able to compete with current state-of-the-art, moving-coil loudspeakers.",

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AU - Kline, Brian L.

AU - Baughman, Ray H.

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Advancements toward a high-power, carbon nanotube, thin-film loudspeaker

Abstract

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

UN SDGs

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