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Details of Grant 

EPSRC Reference: EP/M026914/1
Title: Graphene Micro-sensors for Adaptive Acoustic Transduction (GMAAT)
Principal Investigator: Cheung, Professor R
Other Investigators:
Mastropaolo, Dr E Newton, Dr MJ
Researcher Co-Investigators:
Project Partners:
Department: Sch of Engineering
Organisation: University of Edinburgh
Scheme: Standard Research - NR1
Starts: 01 September 2015 Ends: 08 November 2017 Value (£): 477,577
EPSRC Research Topic Classifications:
Music & Acoustic Technology
EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications:
Healthcare
Related Grants:
Panel History:
Panel DatePanel NameOutcome
10 Mar 2015 Hearing Aid Technologies Announced
Summary on Grant Application Form
This project aims to develop novel acoustic transduction technology for use in hearing aids. The

key proposition is to use an ultra thin-film membrane (graphene) as the vibrating mechanical

component in a resonant gate transistor (RGT). Such a sensor will provide direct transduction of

acoustical vibrations in air, via vibrations of the membrane, to an electrical signal within the

underlying transistor. Main advantages of such an approach include adaptive gain control,

selective frequency tuneability, improved signal to noise performance over conventional

transducers and multi-channel scalability.

The proposed system, made using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication

processes, also lends itself particularly well to direct incorporation within a wider integrated circuit

design that will provide both signal processing and real-time tuning and gain control capabilities.

Eventually, a fully integrated parallel system is proposed that will see an array of transducers, each

acoustically/mechanically/electrically tuned to a narrow portion of the auditory bandwidth and

capable of real-time gain and frequency response control.

Such a system will provide cochlea-inspired gain control and, where desired,

frequency selectivity at the point of transduction, leading to improved signal to noise

performance and opening up a range of novel signal processing possibilities.
Key Findings
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Potential use in non-academic contexts
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Impacts
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Summary
Date Materialised
Sectors submitted by the Researcher
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Project URL:  
Further Information:  
Organisation Website: http://www.ed.ac.uk