Physics:Acoustic interferometer

Short description: Instrument that measures acoustic properties

An acoustic interferometer is an instrument that uses interferometry to measure the physical characteristics of sound waves in a gas or liquid. It may be used to measure velocity, wavelength, absorption, or impedance of the sound waves. The principle of operation is that a vibrating crystal creates ultrasonic waves that are radiated into the medium being analyzed. The waves strike a reflector placed parallel to the crystal. The waves are then reflected back to the source and measured.

See also

• Acoustic microscopy
• Acoustic emission

References

• "A new ultrasonic interferometer for velocity measurement in liquids using optical diffraction". J. Phys. D: Appl. Phys. 19 (8): 1439–1447. 1986. doi:10.1088/0022-3727/19/8/012. Bibcode: 1986JPhD...19.1439I. http://www.iop.org/EJ/abstract/0022-3727/19/8/012. 
• Sukatskas, V.A.; Voleishis, A.P.; Stankyavichyus, É.V.; Armoshka, V.K. (1988). "Density measurement of a liquid with an ultrasonic interferometer of constant length". Measurement Techniques 31 (11): 1126–9. doi:10.1007/BF00864320. 
• Gucker, F. T.; Chernick, C. L.; Roy-Chowdhury, P (1966). "A Frequency-Modulated Ultrasonic Interferometer: Adiabatic Compressibility of Aqueous Solutions of Nacl and Kcl at 25°C". Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 55 (1): 12–19. doi:10.1073/pnas.55.1.12. PMID 16578624. Bibcode: 1966PNAS...55...12G.