HIFU induced cavitation with reduced power threshold
An apparatus for irradiating a liquid sample with acoustic energy to generate cavitation in the liquid sample. The apparatus includes a source for emitting high intensity ultrasound waves and is adapted to receive a cartridge having a chamber containing the liquid sample, wherein the high intensity ultrasound waves are focused on a focus position at or near a nucleation element extending at least partially into the chamber.
1. A cartridge for an apparatus for irradiating a liquid sample with acoustic energy to generate cavitation in the liquid sample, the cartridge comprising:
a chamber for containing the liquid sample; and
a nucleation element located entirely within the chamber, said nucleation element having a rough surface to generate a source of air bubbles that act as nucleation sites within the liquid sample contained in the chamber.
2. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the nucleation element is located at or near a focal zone of high intensity ultrasound waves within the liquid sample.
3. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said cartridge further comprises a protrusion element engageable with the nucleation element.
4. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said cartridge further comprises a lid for covering at least a portion of an opening to the chamber of said cartridge.
5. The cartridge according to claim 4 , wherein said nucleation element is attached to the lid.
6. The cartridge according to claim 3 , wherein said protrusion element includes a clamp for holding the nucleation element.
7. The cartridge according to claim 6 , wherein said cartridge further comprising a lid, said clamp attached to the lid.
8. The cartridge according to claim 4 , wherein said lid includes a side wall, said nucleation element extending from the side wall.
9. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said nucleation element extends horizontally within said chamber.
10. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said nucleation element is comprised of a ceramic element.
11. The cartridge according to claim 10 , wherein said nucleation element is comprised of a ceramic rod.
12. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said nucleation element is comprised of aluminum.
13. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said nucleation element is in line with a vertical axis of a focal zone of high intensity ultrasound waves.
14. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said nucleation element is located off-center from a vertical axis of a focal zone of high intensity ultrasound waves.
15. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said nucleation element is fixed vertically within said chamber.
16. The cartridge according to claim 1 , wherein said chamber is defined by one or more walls.
17. The cartridge according to claim 16 , wherein one of said one or more walls is a lid for enclosing said chamber.