Multilayer graphene condenser microphone

TL;DR

This paper introduces multilayer graphene as a new membrane material for condenser microphones, demonstrating significant sensitivity improvements and potential for extending frequency range up to 1 MHz through experimental and simulation results.

Contribution

The study presents the first application of multilayer graphene membranes in condenser microphones, outperforming traditional nickel membranes in sensitivity and frequency extension.

Findings

Graphene microphone shows >10 dB sensitivity improvement over commercial nickel microphones.

Experimental and simulation results indicate potential for extending frequency response up to 1 MHz.

Multilayer graphene membranes outperform nickel in acoustic performance.

Abstract

Vibrating membranes are the cornerstone of acoustic technology, forming the backbone of modern loudspeakers and microphones. Acoustic performance of condenser microphone is derived mainly from the membrane's size and achievable static tension. The widely studied and available nickel has been the one of dominant membrane material for several decades. In this paper we introduce multilayer graphene as membrane material for a condenser microphone. The graphene device outperforms a high end commercial nickel-based microphone over a significant part of the acoustic spectrum, with a larger than 10 dB enhancement of sensitivity. Our experimental results are supported with numerical simulations, which show that a 300 layer thick graphene membrane under maximum tension would offer excellent extension of the frequency range, up to 1 MHz, with similar sensitivity as commercial condenser microphones.