Research on the Possibility of Applying Acoustic Metamaterials for the Protection of Speech Information

Abstract

The paper analyzes modern methods of technical protection of speech information and proposes a novel approach using acoustic metamaterials. The features of existing passive and active speech protection measures (soundproof constructions, sound-absorbing materials, noise jammers) are considered, as well as the characteristics of traditional sound absorbers and their limitations at low frequencies. The principles of constructing acoustic metamaterials, in particular resonance-based and periodic metastructures are presented, and the physical effects (Bragg band gaps, wave localization, negative effective mass density, etc.) that enable metamaterials to achieve extraordinarily high sound absorption in the speech frequency range are discussed. Recommendations are given for practical implementation of such panels in secure facilities and for evaluating their effectiveness using speech intelligibility criteria. It is concluded that acoustic metamaterials are a promising new means of technical protection of speech information, not yet covered by current standards.