Acoustic Dosimetry for Sonochemistry

Abstract

If it is reported that a certain aqueous chemical reaction occurs at, say, 70°C, it is relatively straightforward to replicate reproducibly that aqueous chemical reaction in any other laboratory. If, however, it is reported that the same reaction occurred twice as fast at 70°C when it was also sonicated for 20 minutes in an ultrasonic cleaning bath, it would be quite difficult to duplicate this reaction occurrence. While, similar temperature environments can be easily achieved, similar acoustic environments can be ensured only with elaborate deliberations. The intensive property, temperature, is bulk independent and is easily monitored and maintained; uniform temperatures are easy to thermostat. The acoustic field on the other hand can be complex, context determined and needs careful specification before replication can be attempted. In discussing ultrasonic dosimetry here, we will attempt to provide pointers for specifying and implementing sound fields meaningfully.