History of Plasma Arc Speakers

Plasma arc speakers, also known as “ion-audio” or “plasma tweeter” speakers, may seem like new technology, but their origins can be traced back to the early 20th century. Developed by physicist and inventor, William Duddell, in 1900, plasma arc speakers have come a long way since their first inception. Let’s take a look at the history of these unique and innovative speakers.

Early Development

In 1900, William Duddell created the first Plasma Arc Speaker, which was known as the “singing arc.” The speaker used a carbon arc lamp, which emitted sound waves when the electricity passed through the arc, creating a unique humming or “singing” sound. This early version of the plasma arc speaker was limited in its capabilities, and its main use was to measure electric current.

In 1921, Lee De Forest, also known as the father of the vacuum tube, patented an “electric valve” known as the Audion tube. This tube was a crucial development in the field of electronics and eventually led to the creation of the vacuum tube amplifier, which would enhance the capabilities of the plasma arc speakers in the years ahead.

Advancements in the 1920s and 1930s

As the 1920s and 1930s rolled around, more advancements were made in the field of plasma arc speakers. In 1929, Arthur H. Compton and Christian Møller discovered the Møller-Compton effect, which allowed for the amplification of sound waves by using a magnetic field. This was a significant discovery, as it opened up new possibilities for plasma arc speakers.

In 1930, Bell Labs engineers Olin J. Hunt and William C. Brown created the first commercially successful plasma speaker, using the Møller-Compton effect. These speakers used an arc of helium gas, which was enclosed in a vacuum chamber and could produce high-quality sound. However, they were still relatively expensive and not widely accessible to the general public.

Breakthrough in the 1950s

In the 1950s, thanks to advancements in vacuum tube technology and solid-state amplifiers, plasma arc speakers finally became a practical and affordable option for consumers. In 1952, the first commercial version of the plasma arc speaker, known as the “light tremolo,” was released by Leon M. F raidland and Chester F. Rice. This speaker used a gas-arc discharge tube, which emitted sound through a high-frequency plasma arc in a magnetic field. These speakers had a relatively flat frequency response and were used in high-end audio systems.

In 1957, William M. Rauscher developed a plasma speaker referred to as the “arc” or “ion-dynamo.” This speaker was more efficient than previous versions, producing a sustained discharge without the need for gas refilling, and had a frequency response up to 25 khz, which was impressive at the time.

Modern Age of Plasma Arc Speakers

The 1970s marked the beginning of the modern age of plasma arc speakers, with the development of solid-state amplifiers and integrated circuits, which made them even more accessible and affordable. In the 1980s, scientists continued to push the boundaries and with the development of the research institute’s Sonos company, released a plasma arc speaker that used a xenon flash lamp to create a bright, white light that produced sound. This speaker became known as the “ion-audio” or “plasma tweeter,” which is the most commonly used term for plasma arc speakers today.

In the 1990s, engineers at Japan’s The Ritsumeikan University developed a plasma arc speaker using Argon gas, which produced sound at a higher frequency than previous versions, up to 350 khz. This speaker, known as the “plasma jet,” was also smaller and more efficient, making it ideal for use in laptops and other compact devices.

The Present and Future of Plasma Arc Speakers

Today, plasma arc speakers continue to be used in various applications, from high-end audio systems to compact speakers for laptops and other devices. The advancements in technology have also led to the creation of “plasma tweeters” used in concert speakers and even car audio systems.

In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in plasma arc speakers due to their unique design and ability to produce high-quality sound without the need for traditional speaker cones. Many scientists and researchers around the world are working on developing even more advanced versions of these speakers, with the potential to revolutionize the audio industry.

Conclusion

The history of plasma arc speakers is one of continuous innovation and development, with each advancement bringing these speakers closer to perfection. From its humble beginnings as a “singing arc” in the early 20th century to the modern “plasma tweeters” used today, plasma arc speakers have come a long way and continue to evolve. With the advancements in technology and the passion and dedication of scientists and engineers, the future of plasma arc speakers looks bright, and we can expect even more exciting developments in the years to come.