A Quantum Vocal Theory of Sound
This work offers a novel approach to acoustics and voice processing, potentially impacting sound analysis and design, but it appears incremental as it builds on existing quantum analogies in acoustics.
The paper tackles the problem of analyzing and synthesizing human voice by proposing a theoretical framework that applies quantum-mechanical formalism to vocal production observables, resulting in a new perspective on sound analysis and design.
Concepts and formalism from acoustics are often used to exemplify quantum mechanics. Conversely, quantum mechanics could be used to achieve a new perspective on acoustics, as shown by Gabor studies. Here, we focus in particular on the study of human voice, considered as a probe to investigate the world of sounds. We present a theoretical framework that is based on observables of vocal production, and on some measurement apparati that can be used both for analysis and synthesis. In analogy to the description of spin states of a particle, the quantum-mechanical formalism is used to describe the relations between the fundamental states associated with phonetic labels such as phonation, turbulence, and supraglottal myoelastic vibrations. The intermingling of these states, and their temporal evolution, can still be interpreted in the Fourier/Gabor plane, and effective extractors can be implemented. The bases for a Quantum Vocal Theory of Sound, with implications in sound analysis and design, are presented.