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Updated: Apr 7, 2026
Development of a 3D Graphene Electrode Dielectrophoretic Device
Published on: June 22, 2014
Graphene electrostatic microphone and ultrasonic radio
Qin Zhou1, Jinglin Zheng2, Seita Onishi1
1Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720; Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720; Kavli Energy NanoSciences Institute at the University of California and the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720.
Researchers developed a wideband graphene microphone and ultrasonic radio for versatile wireless communication. These components enable high-fidelity data transmission and accurate ranging, even where electromagnetic waves struggle.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Acoustics
- Wireless Communication
Background:
- Traditional wireless communication faces limitations in environments where electromagnetic wave propagation is challenging.
- Development of novel acoustic devices is crucial for expanding communication capabilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce a graphene-based wideband microphone and ultrasonic radio system.
- To demonstrate the potential of graphene components for high-fidelity ultrasonic communication and ranging.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication and characterization of graphene-based acoustic transmitters and receivers.
- Testing of wideband frequency response from audible to ultrasonic ranges (20 Hz to 0.5 MHz).
- Demonstration of information transmission using a 0.3 MHz ultrasonic band and application in a rangefinder system.
Main Results:
- Graphene components exhibit wide bandwidth, covering audible and ultrasonic frequencies.
- Efficient, high-fidelity information transmission was achieved using a 0.3 MHz ultrasonic band.
- The graphene microphone successfully received bat ultrasound signals, and the radio functioned as a high-accuracy rangefinder.
Conclusions:
- Graphene-based acoustic devices offer a promising solution for wideband communication, including ultrasonic applications.
- The developed ultrasonic radio can complement electromagnetic systems, particularly in challenging propagation environments.
- This technology has potential applications in wireless communication, sensing, and bioacoustics.
