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General Physics * * * --------------------------------------------------------------------- June 13, 2025 report The GIST 3D-printed device splits white noise into an acoustic rainbow without electricity by Sanjukta Mondal, Phys.org [sanjukta] Sanjukta Mondal contributing writer Meet our staff & contributors Learn about our editorial standards edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Robert Egan [llock] Lisa Lock scientific editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process [Robert] Robert Egan associate editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked peer-reviewed publication trusted source proofread New plastic device splits sound into acoustic rainbow without electrcity The morphogenetical topology optimization method shapes the scattering inclusions, shown as gray material. When the ARE is excited by monopolar source emitting broad-band white noise, the radiated sound creates an acoustic rainbow. The source is positioned at the center of the emitter (illustrated using white light) and driven with equal power at all frequencies from 7,600 to 12,800 Hz. The experimentally measured acoustic output (far field) is mapped to the visible spectrum of light by its magnitude and frequency content in the full 360deg surrounding the ARE. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads7497 In a study published in Science Advances, researchers from Technical University of Denmark and Universidad Politecnica de Madrid demonstrate a new device called an acoustic rainbow emitter (ARE) that takes in broadband white-noise signals from a point source that radiates sound equally in all directions and scatters it up so that different sound frequencies or pitches are emitted. Similar to how a prism splits white light into a rainbow, the ARE device steers each frequency in different directions, creating an acoustic rainbow. In nature, some animals--like humans, bats, and dolphins--have evolved intricate ears (pinnae) that can catch, shape and direct sound in amazing ways, helping them sense and navigate their surroundings. Despite ample natural inspiration, humans have struggled to design systems that can work on a wide range of frequencies. Unlike nature, which utilizes passive structures to shape sound, most artificial sound control systems require active devices or resonance-based systems. Animation of a rotating ARE driven by broad-band white-noise and the audio heard by an observer. The ARE (white) is shown rotating relative to an observer (red dot) with the far-field sound pressure mapped to the optical rainbow and the sound heard by the observer under white-noise excitation of the ARE played as audio. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads7497 Existing acoustic systems have demonstrated sound splitting in closed environments, but they have yet to match the fully controlled, broadband auditory manipulation in free spaces, similar to biological systems. The researchers of this study set out to change that with an approach powered by computational morphogenesis--a process that utilizes algorithms for structural optimization and finite element analysis to generate complex shapes. With tools like topology optimization, accurate wave-based modeling, and modern fabrication techniques such as 3D printing, the researchers had unprecedented freedom to design complex structures that can manipulate sound in entirely new ways. [INS::INS] This allowed them to iteratively adjust the shape of solid material to control the sound emitted to match a specific pattern across frequencies. The researchers also used the Helmholtz equation to simulate sound propagation and scattering in the air around a rigid, sound-reflecting structure. Animation of the spatial near-field sound pressure as a function of frequency for the ARE. The ARE is shown in white with the sound-pressure level is shown using a heat colormap on a 20 dB scale. The animation shows how the near-field changes with frequency, clearly revealing the controlled spatio-spectral separation of the emitted sound. Credit: Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/ sciadv.ads7497 Based on the data collected from the computational models, the team created a new single-material solid object with intricate scattering properties that could capture a mix of sound frequencies from a single source and split them into their spectral components, creating an acoustic rainbow. Apart from the ARE, the researchers also designed a lambda splitter that takes in a mix of sound frequencies and directs low and high-frequency sound waves in different directions. Both devices operate on the principle of passive scattering, where the acoustic system is purely driven by interactions between the hard plastic surface and sound waves, requiring no electricity. The rainbow emitter and the lambda splitter are excellent examples of how a smart arrangement of passive structures can be used to control sound without relying on energy-intensive resonance or active components. The researchers note that this study establishes the potential of computational morphogenesis to precisely shape how sound fields are emitted and received, providing valuable insights for disciplines that deal with wave sensing and control. Written for you by our author Sanjukta Mondal, edited by Lisa Lock , and fact-checked and reviewed by Robert Egan --this article is the result of careful human work. We rely on readers like you to keep independent science journalism alive. If this reporting matters to you, please consider a donation (especially monthly). You'll get an ad-free account as a thank-you. More information: Rasmus E. Christiansen et al, Morphogenesis of sound creates acoustic rainbows, Science Advances (2025). DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ads7497 Journal information: Science Advances (c) 2025 Science X Network Citation: 3D-printed device splits white noise into an acoustic rainbow without electricity (2025, June 13) retrieved 18 June 2025 from https://phys.org/news/ 2025-06-3d-device-white-noise-acoustic.html This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. 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Using computational morphogenesis and topology optimization, the device manipulates sound without electricity or resonance, enabling precise, broadband control of acoustic waves in open environments. This summary was automatically generated using LLM. Full disclaimer Let us know if there is a problem with our content Use this form if you have come across a typo, inaccuracy or would like to send an edit request for the content on this page. For general inquiries, please use our contact form. For general feedback, use the public comments section below (please adhere to guidelines). Please select the most appropriate category to facilitate processing of your request [-- please select one -- ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] [ ] Your message to the editors [ ] Your email (optional, only if you'd like a response) [ ] Send Feedback Thank you for taking time to provide your feedback to the editors. Your feedback is important to us. 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