Patent received for improved infrasound sensors

August 9, 2016

Photo by Duncan Marriott. A Chaparral Model 60 infrasound sensor with a pen for scale.

Jeffrey Rothman, supervisor of the electronics shop at the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, has received a U.S. patent for noise reduction in infrasound detection technology.

Infrasound is the term given to low-frequency sounds that are at a pitch below the range of human hearing. Infrasound travels long distances with very little loss, making it useful in many scientific and military applications. Infrasound sensors are used to monitor volcanic activity, detect tornadoes, locate avalanches, track elephants and identify clandestine nuclear testing.

Rothman has used the new technology to create and market the Chaparral Model 60, a high-performance infrasound microphone that is much smaller and lighter than previous devices. It also has low power consumption, outstanding temperature stability and low sensitivity to vibration. These characteristics make the microphone much easier to transport and use, especially at remote sites around the world.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Jeffrey Rothman, jlrothman@alaska.edu, (907) 474-7560

ON THE WEB: http://www.chaparralphysics.com/