Directional Loudspeaker Using a Parametric Array

Abstract

The theory for sound reproduction of parametric arrays is based on nonlinear acoustics. Due to the nonlinearity of the air, a finite amplitude ultrasound interacts with itself and generates audible secondary waves in the sound beam. A special feature of this loudspeaker is its sharper directivity compared to conventional loudspeakers of the same aperture size.This paper describes the basis of the theory used for parametric arrays, and presents the influence of the main parameters, e.g., carrier frequency. It also describes some signal pre-processing needed to obtain the desired audible sound. A PVDF (polyvinylidenefluoride) film transducer is also studied in order to produce a prototype to confirm the theory.