Visualization of ultrasound standing wave fields generated inside small chamber for study on adverse effect of ultrasound exposure on cells

Abstract

We have been studying usefulness of image subtraction Schlieren technique that visualizes ultrasound fields. Also, in studies of the adverse effect of ultrasound exposure on cells, a culture dish is used as an exposure chamber with an ultrasound transducer placed beneath the dish. In this exposure setup, a standing wave field is produced inside the chamber, and change in shape of the chamber causes change in the standing wave fields. In this study, standing wave fields generated inside small chambers with different shapes were visualized using our technique, and the relation between acoustic fields and production of free radicals that cause cell damage was investigated.