Mechanical sound recordings can be reconstructed using optical techniques. |
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Precision optical image processing methods were used by ATLAS members to measure and align each of the 16,000 individual silicon detectors of the ATLAS SemiConductor Tracker. Inspired by this approach the same strategy was applied to measuring precisely the shape of the groove on mechanical sound carriers such as phonograph discs and cylinder records. To analyse the shape of the grooves and extract the audio information, a data reduction and fitting strategy similar to finding and reconstructing particle tracks in the ATLAS detector was used. The sound could be reconstructed with high fidelity and significantly reduced noise level. As there is no physical contact with the material, the method can be used to restore and preserve delicate or damaged samples and historical sound recordings. The technology is now under development for use in the major recorded sound archives and collections.
Sound Reproduction Credits:
Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
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