Towards a-scan imaging via Ultrasonic Vibration Potential measurements

A potential of a 1-D imaging technique utilizing Ultrasonic Vibration Potential (UVP) is reported in the paper, in which ultrasound is used to vibrate charged particles or ions in colloids, producing electric dipole moments and generating electrical signals which are in relation to their properties. In this study, an experimental vessel was designed, consisting of a specimen chamber and two types of electrodes (stainless steel needle electrodes and wire mesh electrodes). Ultra-weak UVP signals were measured from different samples with these electrodes, including silica colloid and few alkali metal ionic solutions. The intensity of UVP signals is in a range from 0.04 to 3.35 μA in respect to silica suspensions with concentrations of 0.5–5 wt%. In addition, trials on tumour cell lines were conducted, which identified challenges arising from measurements in biological material. The source of the current in colloidal suspensions was ascertained and also signal features of non-homogeneous samples were investigated, demonstrating the potential capability of the 1-D imaging method.