> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://blair-neal.gitbook.io/survey-of-alternative-displays/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://blair-neal.gitbook.io/survey-of-alternative-displays/experimental-other/acoustic-levitation.md).

# Acoustic Levitation Display

{% embed url="<https://youtu.be/Tm8JRlJ1q50>" %}

Also referred to as an Acoustophoretic Volumetric Display

This area of research uses ultrasonic soundwaves and the principle of standing waves to "levitate" thin and light particles of material and (in some cases) move them at a high enough speed to make coherent images and shapes. The applications of this technology are somewhat limited to small scale particles and small display areas, but it is worth seeing this as another unusual area of display research.

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOnxr9Ez_Kc>" %}

There are a number of labs and researchers exploring this technique There is a DIY approach called a [Sonic Surface](https://www.instructables.com/SonicSurface-Phased-array-for-Levitation-Mid-air-T/).

There is [JOLED](https://archive.sussex.ac.uk/news/press-releases/id/37420?id=37420) from the University of Sussex

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-wAGqZ_Qcg>" %}

Another example from the University of Tokyo that levitates small bits of foam with different shapes:

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=odJxJRAxdFU>" %}

For the above: Yoichi Ochiai / 落合陽一(The University of Tokyo / 東京大学) Takayuki Hoshi / 星貴之(Nagoya Institute of Technology / 名古屋工業大学) Jun Rekimoto / 暦本純一 (The University of Tokyo / Sony CSL) White paper: <https://arxiv.org/abs/1312.4006>

There are even [small DIY kits](https://www.stirlingkit.com/products/diy-acoustic-levitation-electronics-for-standing-waves-demonstration?currency=USD\&utm_medium=cpc\&utm_source=google\&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping\&gclid=CjwKCAjw682TBhATEiwA9crl33uDnJuErEXVqS_eOP7yGVmsIHgD1XfDmg-I9YCFdaWJiVnv8EqThBoCn1sQAvD_BwE) that allow for home experimentation with standing waves on a micro scale.

More links:

* <https://hackaday.com/tag/acoustic-levitation/>
*