Scientists have invented a material that can shape, bend and focus sound waves that pass through it. Metamaterials are a new class of finely engineered surfaces that perform tasks that defy nature. The newly developed material pushes the boundaries of metamaterials, although they have already shown amazing results with light manipulation. This has for example allowed scientists to create a real version of Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak. The research team from the Universities of Bristol and Sussex have now demonstrated that the materials can also work with sound waves. This new development could potentially transform personal audio and medical imaging. Medical therapy and imaging uses finely shaped sound fields. These type of fields are also used in a wide range of products such as ultrasonic haptics and audio spotlights. In an article recently published in Nature Communications, a cheap and simple way of using acoustic metamaterials to create these shaped sound waves is shown. http://sciencenewsjournal.com/newly...-waves-revolutionize-medicine-personal-audio/
