Laser visualizer of sound waves

Laser visualizer of sound waves

Sound propagates as mechanical waves through air molecules. This device contains a rubber membrane that vibrates in response to sound waves. On the membrane is a small mirror, onto which a laser is directed. The mirror vibrates along with the membrane, reflecting the laser and creating an image. Different sounds, tones, and frequencies produce unique patterns.

We will need:

• 3D printer
• Laser pointer
• Rubber balloon or surgical glove
• A small piece of mirror or other reflective surface
• Scissors
• Glue

Assembly instructions:

Print all parts, no support is required. Glue the printed parts together.
 

Cut the rubber balloon in half. Cut the smaller half into smaller pieces to form elastic rings.
 

Place a large piece of balloon on the circular hole. We will thus create a flexible membrane. Next, use a large elastic ring to fasten the membrane.
 

Glue the laser holder part together. Place the laser on the holder and fasten it using flexible rings from the balloon.  Laser holder glue to the body of the device
 

Where the laser hits the membrane, stick a small piece of mirror. It is not important placed mirror to the center of the circle. I used a mirror from CD-ROM optics.

Use of device:
Press the laser button with the elastic ring so that it is always on. Direct the sound of a spoken word, singing, or use a bluetooth speaker to generate frequencies of pure tones using the online web page: https://onlinetonegenerator.com
 

One frequency give an oval-shaped image. If we generate two frequencies with two pages in one browser at the same time, the waves are connected - interference. Then the laser draws complex shapes, similar to cycloids or mandalas. Below is a demo video. The camera cannot capture the image perfectly. In fact, it looks even more beautiful to the naked eye.

The same frequency can create different patterns on different devices, different from those created by me. It is related to resonance, membrane tension force, membrane thickness, instrument and membrane material, weight and mirror placement.

Add pictures of your interesting shapes that you created with this device.