# Coupling of Wideband Impulses Generated by Granular Chains into Liquids

## TL;DR

This paper presents an analytical model for coupling wideband ultrasonic impulses generated by granular chains into liquids, analyzing different materials to optimize energy transfer for biomedical ultrasound applications.

## Contribution

It introduces a model that predicts coupling efficiency of granular chain-generated impulses into liquids, considering various matching layer materials and verifying with experimental data.

## Key findings

- Vitreous carbon provides the best acoustic impedance match.
- Soft matching layers like acrylic and rubber inhibit higher harmonics.
- The model accurately predicts coupling effects verified by hydrophone measurements.

## Abstract

An ultrasonic transducer technology to generate wideband impulses using a one-dimensional chain of spheres was previously presented. The Hertzian contact between the spheres causes the nonlinearity of the system to increase, which transforms high amplitude narrowband sinusoidal input into a train of wideband impulses. Generation of short duration ultrasonic pulses is desirable both in diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound. Nevertheless, the biggest challenge in terms of adaptation to biomedical ultrasound is the coupling of the ultrasonic energy into biological tissue. An analytical model was created to address the coupling issue. Effect of the matching layer was modelled as a flexible thin plate clamped from the edges. Model was verified against hydrophone measurements. Different coupling materials, such as glass, aluminium, acrylic, silicon rubber, and vitreous carbon, was analysed with this model. Results showed that soft matching layers such as acrylic and rubber inhibit the generation of higher order harmonics. Between the hard matching materials, vitreous carbon achieved the best results due to its acoustic impedance.