Acoustic radiation force

Acoustic radiation force is a phenomenon associated with the propagation of acoustic waves in a medium. This force is exerted by the acoustic wave on the medium particles, causing them to move or oscillate. The magnitude and direction of the force depend on the properties of the medium and the characteristics of the acoustic wave.

Overview

The acoustic radiation force is a result of the transfer of momentum from the acoustic wave to the medium particles. This transfer occurs due to the interaction between the pressure field of the wave and the particles. The force is directed along the propagation direction of the wave and its magnitude is proportional to the intensity of the wave and the acoustic contrast factor of the particles.

Applications

Acoustic radiation force has various applications in different fields. In medical imaging, it is used in ultrasound elastography to generate images of the mechanical properties of tissues. In particle manipulation, it is used to trap and manipulate small particles in microfluidics devices. In material science, it is used to study the mechanical properties of materials.

Medical Imaging

In medical imaging, acoustic radiation force is used to generate shear waves in tissues. These waves are then detected by an ultrasound imaging system to create images of the mechanical properties of the tissues. This technique, known as ultrasound elastography, is used to detect and characterize various diseases, such as liver fibrosis and breast cancer.

Particle Manipulation

In particle manipulation, acoustic radiation force is used to trap and manipulate small particles in microfluidics devices. This technique, known as acoustic tweezers, allows for the precise control of particles, cells, and other microorganisms, which is useful in various applications, such as cell sorting and drug delivery.

Material Science

In material science, acoustic radiation force is used to study the mechanical properties of materials. By applying an acoustic wave to a material and measuring the resulting displacement, the elastic properties of the material can be determined. This technique is used in the characterization of various materials, from biological tissues to industrial materials.

See Also

• Acoustic tweezers
• Ultrasound elastography
• Acoustic contrast factor
• Microfluidics