Paper-thin, high-bandwidth, and economical loudspeakers that can be mounted to rigid surfaces have been recently developed and demonstrated to have potential in active noise control and immersive entertainment. However, while the materials that compose the acoustically active surfaces are not expensive, their piezoelectric response of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is lower compared to other variations of surfaces. In particular, the addition of BaTiO3 in PVDF has been demonstrated to enhance the piezoelectric output voltage. In the SuperUROP, my role in the development of these speakers is to research alternative materials in that family of perovskite materials. I will be examining their properties carefully to compare the final results and ultimately increase the piezoelectric response of the array of microstructures.

To have the opportunity to conduct my own publishable research under the mentorship of MIT electrical engineering professors is absolutely incredible. I have taken classes in signal processing, electronics, and circuit design, but this is my first time working with active microstructures. I am looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in nanotechnology and microfabrication, as well as making a positive contribution to my research group.