Spectrally resolved sonoluminescence as a probe of cavitation

Kenneth S. Suslick, Kathleen A. Kemper, Edward B. Flint

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The collapse of bubbles during acoustic cavitation in liquids generates intense local heating, either by adiabatic compression or through shock wave formation. We have been able to quantify local temperatures by spectroscopic analysis of sonoluminescence from cavitating bubble clouds. Sonoluminescence in hydrocarbon liquids closely resembles flame emission. From hydrocarbons or silicone oil, emission from excited states of diatomic carbon, C2, are observed; the rotational and vibrational fine structure of this emission permits a spectroscopic determination of the emission temperature of the excited states of C2, which is ≈5100 K. Sonoluminescence from excited state metal atoms is produced during sonolysis of volatile metal carbonyls. Linewidth analysis of this emission permits us to determine collisional lifetimes of the emitting atoms and hence to estimate effective local pressures during cavitation. The calculated pressure experienced by Cr atoms during emission from Cr(CO)6 is 1700 atmospheres (1.72 kBar).

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of the IEEE Ultrasonics Symposium
PublisherPubl by IEEE
Pages777-783
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)0780312783
StatePublished - 1993
EventProceedings of the IEEE 1993 Ultrasonics Symposium - Baltimore, MD, USA
Duration: Oct 31 1993Nov 3 1993

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE Ultrasonics Symposium
Volume2
ISSN (Print)1051-0117

Other

OtherProceedings of the IEEE 1993 Ultrasonics Symposium
CityBaltimore, MD, USA
Period10/31/9311/3/93

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Acoustics and Ultrasonics

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