'See' the sound with this device

London, May 9 (IANS) Ever thought of 'seeing' the sound with bare eyes? Whether this apparently crazy idea has come to your mind or not, scientists have developed a device that can make sound visible.

CymaScope is "an ingenious and surprisingly simple" device patented by acoustic researchers Erik Larson and John Stuart Reid.

The CymaScope turns sound vibrations into visible images by recording the play of light on the surface of purified water in a round dish.

The study of the visible manifestations of vibrations and sound - or cymatics - has been around for a long time.

The CymaScope's design, however, allows for very detailed images of any kind of audible (or inaudible) sound upon the surface tension of the water.

Each sound creates an image that is unique, complex and often very beautiful, media reports said.

The CymaScope is not just for fun. It has a potentially wide range of applications for scientific research and artistic projects.

Reid recently worked with a dolphin research team to image dolphin echolocation sounds using the CymaScope.

Several musicians have also employed the CymaScope for different projects, reports added.