Plasma arc loudspeaker

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A plasma arc loudspeaker or plasma-dynamic loudspeaker is a loudspeaker that creates sound by varying air pressure through a corona discharge or electric arc. It is an evolution of William Duddell's "singing arc" of 1900 and, in recent times, modern research into spacecraft propulsion in the form of the ion thruster.

Plasma tweeters are claimed to be an improvement on traditional tweeter designs because the driver has very little mass, and so low inertia, reducing distortion and increasing transient response. Because of their inability to move large volumes of air, they are limited to reproducing only very high frequencies, and are therefore usable only as tweeters. Most of those who have heard them claim they are notably sharp and clear.

The operation of the speaker requires a continuous supply of ionizable gas. One model used helium; with the attendant problems of handling and refilling the gas cylinders. The plasma by-product, ozone, can reach hazardous levels in closed rooms. Due to their high cost, limited range, frequent maintenance requirements, and limited utility, they are rarely used in modern loudspeaker equipment, and are instead considered a novelty, perhaps with desirable aesthetic characteristics.

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