Laser-nucleated acoustic cavitation in focused ultrasound

Gerold, B., Kotopoulis, S., McDougall, C., McGloin, D., Postema, M. and Prentice, P. (2011) Laser-nucleated acoustic cavitation in focused ultrasound. Review of Scientific Instruments, 82(4), 044902. (doi: 10.1063/1.3579499) (PMID:21529030)

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Abstract

Acoustic cavitation can occur in therapeutic applications of high-amplitude focused ultrasound. Studying acoustic cavitation has been challenging, because the onset of nucleation is unpredictable. We hypothesized that acoustic cavitation can be forced to occur at a specific location using a laser to nucleate a microcavity in a pre-established ultrasound field. In this paper we describe a scientific instrument that is dedicated to this outcome, combining a focused ultrasound transducer with a pulsed laser. We present high-speed photographic observations of laser-induced cavitation and laser-nucleated acoustic cavitation, at frame rates of 0.5×106 frames per second, from laser pulses of energy above and below the optical breakdown threshold, respectively. Acoustic recordings demonstrated inertial cavitation can be controllably introduced to the ultrasound focus. This technique will contribute to the understanding of cavitation evolution in focused ultrasound including for potential therapeutic applications.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Prentice, Dr Paul
Authors: Gerold, B., Kotopoulis, S., McDougall, C., McGloin, D., Postema, M., and Prentice, P.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
Journal Name:Review of Scientific Instruments
Publisher:A I P Publishing
ISSN:0034-6748
ISSN (Online):1089-7623

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