Discourse: Holography and levitation: Multisensory sound advances (Theatre)

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Magic often begins with the illusion that invisible forces can shape the world around us; this Discourse explores how carefully shaped sound fields can become a medium for seeing, feeling and interacting with digital and physical systems.

Drawing on advances in acoustic holography and levitation, Sriram Subramanian will show how sound waves can be computed and controlled to lift and guide tiny objects, forming dynamic three-dimensional shapes that can be both seen and felt. These demonstrations reveal how sound can enable the contact-free handling of materials ranging from solids and liquids to powders and gases.

Sriram will examine the scientific principles behind these systems, the challenges of shaping sound in real environments, and conclude by exploring emerging applications in multi-sensory interaction, life sciences, biopharma and contact-free material handling.

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Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences in the theatre have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments, including the first public liquefaction of air by James Dewar, the announcement of the electron by JJ Thomson and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. In more recent times, we have had Nobel laureates, Fields medal winners, scientists, authors and artists – all from the cutting-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.

Steeped in nearly two centuries of tradition, a Discourse is more than just a lecture. To keep the focus on the topic, presenters begin sharply at 7:30pm without introduction and we lock the speaker into a room ten minutes ahead of the start (legend has it that a speaker once tried to escape!). Some of our guests dress smartly for our Discourse events to add to this sense of occasion.

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Find out more about the history of Discourses on our blog.

The doors will open at approximately 6.45pm, and all ticket holders must take their seats by 7.20pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. There will be a brief question/answer period after the talk.

Latecomers will be admitted to the gallery.

Event image via Pexels