Nanotube Speakers Use Heat to Make Sound

Oct-04-13 By taking advantage of the way temperature fluctuations produce sound waves, researchers have created tiny speakers about the size of a fingernail.

Although the principle of thermoacoustics was explained decades ago, the technology has only become commercially viable with the advent of durable and conductive nanotubes that can withstand the heat of the process.

The new speakers, created by researchers from the Tsinghua University in China, are based on the principle of thermoacoustics and consist of electrified nanotubes of carbon set upon a lattice of silicon which protects the speaker from the heat. As the nanotubes are rapidly warmed and cooled they produce sound waves that are amplified by the speakers. The new design is compatible with current manufacturing methods, and could also be integrated into other electronic elements, such as control circuits.

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