device that shoots audio which can only be heared by the target

Question

I'm sorry if this is not the correct site for this question; I just found this to be the most pertinent site under the technology tag.

Is there (or is it possible to create) a device that shoots audio over a medium distance (say 50 feet) which can only be heared by one person. Similar to how a laser focuses and radiates a beam of photons in a straight line, the device would vibrate molecules in a narrow beam in the direction pointed. I would imagine that it would have some form of parabolic speaker.

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered May 20 '16 at 10:40

3

Yes, and these already exist in various forms, from sound weapons to localised 'personal' audio devices.

The vast majority use a parabolic reflector, as you correctly surmised. Some background here.

But this one uses interesting technology with an array of Ultrasonic speakers which provide interference at the target which is within audible frequencies.

answered May 20 '16 at 10:40

Rory Alsop

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Am I really the only one who finds this ultrasonic technique scary? – leftaroundabout May 22 '16 at 23:09
It's the high amplitude that's really scary - yes – Rory Alsop May 23 '16 at 07:25

device that shoots audio which can only be heared by the target

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