Skip to navigation
Latest News

Phones charged by voice

By Stuart Turton

Posted on 4 Dec 2008 at 16:31

Researchers claim it will be possible to create smartphones that can be charged by nothing more than the spoken voice.

The breakthrough centres on the field of piezoelectricity. Piezoelectrics are materials, typically crystals or ceramics, that generate voltage when a form of mechanical stress is applied.

The technology is already used in a variety of gadgets, including watches and lighters, and the US military is currently looking at using the motion of its troops to power their devices.

However, the research conducted by professor Tahir Cagin of Texas A&M University, is looking at applying the technology at a nano level.

He has discovered that barium titanate crystals become 100 times more efficient at harvesting power when manufactured at precisely 21 nanometers. As materials at this size are more sensitive to environmental change, Cagin claims even sound waves could be used to generate power.

"Even the disturbances in the form of sound waves such as pressure waves in gases, liquids and solids may be harvested for powering nano and micro devices of the future if these materials are processed and manufactured appropriately for this purpose," Cagin says.

Among these devices, researchers envisage mobile phones, MP3s and even laptops benefiting. However, Cagin claims it could be "decades" before the technology is sophisticated enough for consumer use.

Subscribe to PC Pro magazine. We'll give you 3 issues for £1 plus a free gift - click here
Be the first to comment this article

You need to Login or Register to comment.

(optional)

advertisement

Most Commented News Stories
Latest Blog Posts Subscribe to our RSS Feeds
Latest ReviewsSubscribe to our RSS Feeds
Latest Real World Computing

advertisement

Sponsored Links
 
SEARCH
Loading
WEB ID
SIGN UP

Your email:

Your password:

remember me

advertisement


Hitwise Top 10 Website 2010
 
 

PCPro-Computing in the Real World Printed from www.pcpro.co.uk

Register to receive our regular email newsletter at http://www.pcpro.co.uk/registration.

The newsletter contains links to our latest PC news, product reviews, features and how-to guides, plus special offers and competitions.