Comparisons of sonoluminescence from single-bubbles and cavitation fields: bridging the gap

Journal article

Sonoluminescence (SL) refers to the generation of light through the energetic pulsations of acoustic cavitation bubbles in a liquid. For years, SL was observed primarily in cavitation fields. These bubbles are believed by many to undergo near-adiabatic compression, resulting in the heating of the bubble contents and the subsequent emission of light. Recently, researchers have discovered a ‘new’ form of sonoluminescence in which light is observed to emanate from a single bubble undergoing very large volume excursions. The mechanism for light production is unknown, but many believe it is due to a rapid heating of the central core by an imploding shock wave. Based in part on the emission time scales, there is a common belief that the two forms of SL are quite distinct. We address this issue by comparing the two phenomena with regards to their light-flash durations and emission spectra-leading to some surprising differences and similarities.

Authors: Matula, TJ; Roy, RA

• Publication status: Published
• Peer review status: Peer reviewed
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Journal: Ultrasonics Sonochemistry
• Volume: 4
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 61-64
• Publication date: 1997-04-01
• DOI: 10.1016/s1350-4177(97)00005-9
• EISSN: 1873-2828
• ISSN: 1350-4177
• Language: English
• Keywords: bubbles; cavitation; sonoluminescence