Physics 427

Dr. Ayars

Acoustic Bandgap

Sound waves in a tube are in some ways analogous to electron wavefunctions in a solid. A tube with alternating baffles in it shows a "bandgap": a range of frequencies for which standing waves are not allowed. This is similar to electrons in a semiconductor: there is a "bandgap" of energies that are not allowed. This experiment is an interesting investigation into this acoustic bandgap.

Equipment built by Eric Ayars, used regularly by prior lab students with good results.

Reading

Picture of this apparatus

Location

Tubes are above the central cabinet on the west wall of 108, microphone pre-amp boards are in room 108E, cabinet 2.

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