×

Acoustic microscope

  • US 4,028,933 A
  • Filed: 06/18/1975
  • Issued: 06/14/1977
  • Est. Priority Date: 02/15/1974
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. An acoustic microscope for producing an image of an object of interest utilizing high frequency acoustic wave energy, comprising:

  • a. transducer means for generating acoustic energy at a frequency of at least 100MHz.b. means forming a first solid acoustic energy propagating medium having a predetermined acoustic velocity C1 disposed adjacent said acoustic energy generating means, said transducer means and propagating medium forming a collimated beam of acoustic energy;

    c. a first acoustic lens means disposed adjacent the other end of said acoustic energy propagating medium, said acoustic means forming a focal point outside of said acoustic energy propagating means, said lens having a predetermined f number;

    d. a fluid acoustic energy propagating medium having a predetermined acoustic velocity C2, disposed adjacent said acoustic lens means and within which an object to be observed may be positioned, said fluid medium having an acoustic velocity to provide a wavelength of said acoustic energy of about 15 microns or less in said medium and substantially less than the acoustic velocity of said acoustic energy propagating medium, said velocity C1 and C2 being chosen such that their ratio produces an acoustical optical system having negligible spherical aberration;

    e. means for moving, relatively, said object to be observed with respect to the beam such that the focal point of said acoustic lens occurs on the surface or within the object to be observed;

    f. a second solid acoustic energy propagating medium in contact with the fluid medium and having a concavity therein forming a second acoustic lens whose focal point is coincident with said first acoustic lens; and

    g. a piezoelectric transducer located on the end of said second acoustic propagating medium remote from said second acoustic lens for detecting the acoustic energy perturbed by said object so that an image of the object of interest is obtainable.

View all claims
  • 0 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×