Last week, in addition to the two exhibit ideas that I refined, I also brought in another project that I've been developing. I'm very interested in sound, electricity (specifically high voltage), and the cultural and psychological effects of playing with danger.
A plasma speaker uses a high voltage source (in the 10s of kV range) to produce an arc of ionized molecules in the air, creating a stream of plasma. This plasma is pulsed at a frequency too high to hear, but is modulated with an audio signal that can be heard coming directly from the arc.
Stanford's own Paul Demarinis used a similar phenomenon with the flame as a medium instead of an electrical arc.
I'd like to push this piece forward to a point that I can get some meaningful interactive elements. To do this, I need to ensure that no one receives an inadvertent shock from the high voltage sections, then I can concentrate on one of several variable elements. The distance between the electrodes controls not just sound quality, but also volume. The material, shape, and orientation of the electrodes makes a big difference as well. I could also allow the visitor to control the sound source. For starters, the distance between the electrodes will hopefully yield some interesting discoveries.
whoa, the firebirds is really cool! I'm wondering whether you consider your exhibit more of an art piece or a guided discovery? ...What would it look like if you focus more on the art side?
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