Scanning acoustic microscopy for mapping the microstructure of soft materials

TL;DR

This paper discusses the development and application of a scanning acoustic microscope for detailed imaging of the microstructure of soft materials, including biological and industrial samples.

Contribution

It introduces a new scanning acoustic microscopy technique and demonstrates its effectiveness in imaging various soft materials and biological matter.

Findings

Effective imaging of biological tissues

High contrast in soft material microstructure

Potential for industrial material analysis

Abstract

Acoustics provides a powerful modality with which to 'see' the mechanical properties of a wide range of elastic materials. It is particularly adept at probing soft materials where excellent contrast and propagation distance can be achieved. We have constructed a scanning acoustic microscope capable of mapping the microstructure of such materials. We review the general principles of scanning acoustic microscopy and present new examples of its application in imaging biological matter, industrial materials and particulate systems.