Optimization of a bio-inspired sound localization sensor for high directional sensitivity

Miniaturization of sound localization sensors arrays is heavily constrained by the limited directional cues in intensity difference and phase difference available at the microscale. Micro-Electro Mechanical System (MEMS) sound localization sensors inspired by the auditory system of Ormia ochracea offer a potential solution to this problem by the apparent amplification of the available intensity and phase difference between the measurement points. An inherent limitation of these existing systems is that significant amplification of these cues is only available at or close to one of the resonant frequencies of the device, severely limiting it application as a directional microphone. Here we present the process of optimization of a sound localization sensor for the maximum amplification of directional cues across a narrow bandwidth, increasing the signal to noise ratio and the reading accuracy for sound localization measurements.