Sound-Focusing Metasurface Eliminates Need for Headphones

Revolutionary Acoustic Metasurface

According to НВ — Техно: Scientists have engineered a novel acoustic metasurface capable of generating private sound zones without requiring headphones. Unveiled on May 22, 2026, by Interesting Engineering, this technology relies on a 3D-printed metasurface measuring roughly 15 centimeters in diameter. It can concentrate audio within a zone just over 2.5 centimeters wide, while dramatically reducing volume outside that area.

Testing and Potential Uses

In trials, the system played electronic music with heavy bass. Notably, at a distance of just 5 centimeters from the focal zone, sound levels dropped by nearly 50 decibels. This greatly enhances listening privacy, as sound waves typically spread throughout a room, degrading audio quality.

“Current directional systems work well only under controlled conditions.” - Ji Woo Kevin Kim, acoustics graduate student

The acoustic metasurface, which passively bends sound waves to a fixed point, was developed based on earlier research that used multiple ultrasonic speakers to create a private audio zone. Acoustics professor Yun Jing explained that "the surface alters the waves so they converge at a single point after leaving the speaker."

This innovation holds potential across various fields, including:

• ATMs
• information kiosks
• automobiles

It could significantly boost user comfort and privacy. The system can reproduce sound down to 38 hertz, making it a versatile solution for establishing private audio zones in diverse environments.

The creation of this acoustic metasurface opens up new possibilities for ensuring privacy in noisy settings, where the demand for individual listening is increasingly pressing. This technology could find applications not only in everyday life but also in professional contexts where information confidentiality is crucial, such as financial institutions or during negotiations. This innovative approach to acoustics may transform how sound is perceived in public spaces, enhancing overall user comfort.