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Researchers report new light-activated micro pump

Researchers developed a laser-driven photoacoustic microfluidic pump that moves fluids in any direction without mechanical parts or electrical contacts. The device uses a plasmonic quartz plate implanted with gold atoms to generate an ultrasonic wave, driving the fluid via acoustic streaming.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019

Fiber sensors may leave the jacket on

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have successfully mapped liquids outside coated optical fibers, enabling sensing applications beyond the lab. The use of a polyimide coating overcomes the protective barrier previously hindering sensor performance.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 28, 2019

New ultrasonic wave phenomenon leads to improved safety for society

Researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology have discovered a new ultrasonic wave phenomenon that enables precise and nondestructive detection of fatigue and early damage in thin plate materials. This technology surpasses conventional methods, allowing for accurate evaluation of material damage even before it occurs.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateSep 12, 2018

Laser, sound waves provide live views of organs in action

Researchers at Duke University and CalTech have developed a hybrid imaging technology that combines light and ultrasound to provide live, holistic views of small animal organs. This technique breaks the resolution and speed barriers in whole-body imaging, enabling functional imaging of entire bodies with sub-millimeter-level resolution.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateMay 10, 2017

New 'needle-pulse' beam pattern packs a punch

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a new beam pattern, dubbed the 'needle-pulse' beam, which can create incredibly thin and intense beams that expand outward again after a mere nanosecond. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize fields such as ultrasound, radar, and microscopy.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalOptics Express·DateJan 27, 2017

A good combination: Model and experiment for a deeper look

Researchers at TUM develop a new method for non-destructive testing using ultrasound that combines a computerized model and experiment to provide precise information on the inner world of objects. This method uses waveform inversion to utilize the entire information content of the wave field measured, providing improved results.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalComputers & Mathematics with Applications·DateNov 21, 2016

Ultrasonic production of skimmed milk

Researchers successfully demonstrated cream separation from natural whole milk at liter-scales using ultrasonic standing waves, achieving fractionation outcomes desired for a particular dairy product. The technique allows for high volume throughputs of up to 30 liters per hour and can be used to specifically select milk fat globules of...

Researchers manipulate tiny objects with ultrasound

A team of researchers from China's State Key Lab of Mechanics and Control of Mechanical Structures introduced innovative strategies for ultrasonic manipulation by employing various acoustic streaming fields. This enables the diversification of manipulation functions and samples, widening the application range of the technique.

Choosing a wave could accelerate airplane maintenance

Aerospace engineers can now detect adhesive failures in hard-to-reach places more quickly and precisely using the right ultrasonic frequency. The selection process could save time and effort for engineers performing maintenance on complex composite materials.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Adhesion and Adhesives·DateJul 23, 2013

Good vibrations: Mediating mood through brain ultrasound

University of Arizona researchers have discovered that ultrasound waves applied to specific areas of the brain can alter patients' moods. The study, led by Dr. Stuart Hameroff, found improvements in mood for up to 40 minutes following treatment with brain ultrasound, compared to no difference when the machine was switched off.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalBrain Stimulation·DateJul 18, 2013

Open wide and say 'zap'

Researchers developed a non-destructive way to measure the elasticity of human teeth using lasers, enabling early detection of oral health issues. The new method can help predict emerging dental problems like tooth decay and cavities.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 18, 2009

$3.5 Million Grant To Establish Unique Center

Researchers at Penn State are establishing a unique center for the development of ultrasonic transducer/array technology, improving diagnosis for medical conditions like cardiovascular disease and birth defects. The center will focus on developing high-frequency devices and using new materials to create better clinical images.