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SEM diamond stylus travelling through LP grooves H100 / 0086

SEM diamond stylus travelling through LP grooves H100  /  0086


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SEM diamond stylus travelling through LP grooves H100 / 0086

Scanning electron micrograph of a diamond stylus travelling through the grooves of a long-playing, stereo record. The grooves are cut into a flat disc of polyvinyl chloride. The groove varies with the intensity of the music: the straighter the groove the quieter the music, the wavier the groove (as here) the louder the music. The stylus picks up the music modulation from the sloping sides & transmits it to the cartridge, where a piezoelectric crystal or an electromagnet converts the vibration into an electrical signal. Although thoroughly cleaned, this needle is encrusted with dirt. Magnification: x30 at 35mm size, x220 at 8x10-inch size. Reference: MICROCOSMOS, figure 9.16, page 182

Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations

Media ID 8749846

© DR JEREMY BURGESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Common Item Familiar Object Items Objects Record Stylus


EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from Science Photo Library showcases the intricate world of music reproduction. In this scanning electron micrograph, we witness a diamond stylus gracefully traversing the grooves of a long-playing stereo record. The grooves, meticulously carved into a flat disc of polyvinyl chloride, reveal an intriguing secret: they vary in shape and intensity according to the music being played. As our eyes follow the wavy path of the groove captured here, we understand that its undulations correspond to louder sections of the composition. Conversely, straighter grooves indicate quieter moments in the music. This ingenious design allows for an immersive audio experience by modulating vibrations picked up by the stylus from these sloping sides. The magic happens when these vibrations are transmitted to a cartridge where either a piezoelectric crystal or an electromagnet converts them into electrical signals. These signals then travel through amplifiers and speakers, ultimately reaching our ears as harmonious melodies or thunderous beats. Although thoroughly cleaned before examination under magnification levels ranging from x30 at 35mm size to x220 at 8x10-inch size, this particular diamond stylus bears witness to its journey through countless records with its encrusted layer of dirt—a testament to its faithful service in bringing music to life. In this remarkable image lies not only technology but also nostalgia for familiar objects that have shaped our musical experiences throughout history.

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