The new year has seen a lot of infatuation with levitating objects. The latest to join the ranks is the LeviZen. It is a water-levitating device that uses acoustic levitation to suspend a droplet in mid-air simulating the effect of zero gravity.
Most of the devices on the market use magnetic levitation but it can’t be used with water. Thus, the team behind LeviZen had a different approach. Sound waves had been used in laboratories to levitate liquids for years but this is the first finished product to reach the market.
The makers of the product wrote, “LeviZen levitates water using two identical sound waves that travel against each other which together create a standing wave. This wave has places on it where it does not move at all while all the other places of this wave move at maximum level. These non-moving places are called nodes. When a water drop is placed at the nodes, the water drop gets trapped by the standing waves’ maximum moving parts beneath and above the nodes. And just like that, we get a levitating water drop.”
The frequency has not been specified but these devices normally run at ultrasonic frequencies. The device in inaudible to humans but may be heard by some animals. The device is constructed with a clear retro-aesthetic and features walnut wood casings and a controller box with old-school switches. There are three switches and they are to turn the device on or off, change the power level, and to turn on or turn off the light.
The light switch controls 2 LED spotlights used to illuminate the hovering droplet in addition to providing a glowing orb effect to the device. It doesn’t really serve a purpose but can be used for decor around the house or on the work desk.
It is a Kickstarter campaign and has already smashed its goal. You can get your hands on one by pledging $199. It has moved into the production state and the shipping date of July seems like it will be met. We will find out in a couple of months.