A quantum vocal theory of sound

Abstract

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.

Characterisation of the Degree of Musical Non-Markovianity

“…Among mathematical tools, the formalism of quantum mechanics is the object of growing attention (Miranda, 2021;beim Graben & Blutner, 2020;beim Graben & Mannone, 2020;Rocchesso & Mannone, 2020;Fugiel, 2022;Putz & Svozil, 2017).…”

Quanta in sound, the sound of quanta: a voice-informed quantum theoretical perspective on sound

“…In a recent article [48], we have proposed the basics for a Quantum Vocal Theory of Sound (QVTS). Here, we summarize its main ideas, and then we propose some hints for future developments.…”

“…Let us go back to sound and voice. If quantum mechanics can be joined with the sound, and the sound with the voice, thus quantum mechanics can be joined with the voice, and this is our idea: a Quantum Vocal Theory of Sound [48].…”

Quantum GestART: identifying and applying correlations between mathematics, art, and perceptual organization

“…The parallel between physics and mathematical approaches to the arts is not only a metaphor. To investigate cognition, visuals, and sounds, there have been attempts to exploit ideas and methods from quantum mechanics, using the main concepts of quantization, destructive measure, and probability (Gabor 1947;Khrennikov 2010;Rocchesso and Mannone 2018). The step from continuity to quantization can sometimes make evaluations easier, and it can allow analysis in a new light.…”

“…Acoustical waves are often used as a paradigm for quantum waves (Gabor 1947) conversely, if we use the formalism of quantum waves to describe sound, we can also borrow the duality wave-particle and introduce quanta of sound (Gabor 1947). Other examples include analysis of images (Youssry et al 2015), psychology (Khrennikov 2010), musical forces and cognition (beim Graben andBlutner 2017, 2019), quantum information, cognition, and music (Dalla Chiara et al 2015), adaptation to music of techniques to evaluate memory in quantum systems (Mannone and Compagno 2014), and vocal theory based on quantum formalism (Rocchesso and Mannone 2018), where vocal categories are used as probes to describe sounds in general.…”