Novel physical solutions, including new results in the field of adaptive methods and inventive approaches to inverse problems, original concepts based on high harmonic imaging algorithms, intriguing vibro-acoustic imaging and vibro-modulation technique, etc. were successfully introduced and verified in numerous studies of industrial materials and biomaterials in the last few years. Together with the above mentioned traditional academic and practical avenues in ultrasonic imaging research, intriguing scientific discussions have recently surfaced and will hopefully continue to bear fruits in the future. The goal of this book is to provide an overview of the recent advances in high-resolution ultrasonic imaging techniques and their applications to biomaterials evaluation and industrial materials. The result is a unique collection of papers presenting novel results and techniques that were developed by leading research groups worldwide. This book offers a number of new results from well-known authors who are engaged in aspects of the development of novel physical principles, new methods, or implementation of modern technological solutions into current imaging devices and new applications of high-resolution imaging systems. The ultimate purpose of this book is to encourage more research and development in the field to realize the great potential of high resolution acoustic imaging and its various industrial and biomedical applications.

In 1992 Acoustic Microscopy was published by Oxford University Press, in the series of Monographs on the Physics and Chemistry of Materials. Reviews appeared in the Journal of Microscopy [169 (1), 91] and in Contemporary Physics [33 (4), 296]. At the time of going to press, it seemed that the field of acoustic microscopy had settled down from the wonderful developments in resolution that had been seen in the late seventies and the early eighties and from the no less exciting developments in quantitative elastic measurements that had followed. One reviewer wrote, "The time is ripe for such a book, now that the expansion of the subject has perceptively slowed after it was detonated by Lemons and Quate. " [A. Howie, Proc. RMS 27 (4), 280]. In many ways, this remains true. The basic design for both imaging and quantitative instruments is well-established; the upper frequency for routine imaging is the 2 GHz established by the Ernst Leitz scanning acoustic microscope (ELSAM) in 1984. For the most accurate V(z) measurements, the 225-MHz line-focus-beam lens, developed at Tohoku Univer sity a little before then, remains standard. The principles of the contrast theory have been confirmed by abundant experience; in particular the role of surface acoustic waves, such as Rayleigh waves, dominates the contrast in most high resolution studies of many materials.

This is the second volume of Advances in Acoustic Microscopy. It continues the aim of presenting applications and developments of techniques that are related to high-resolution acoustic imaging. We are very grateful to the authors who have devoted considerable time to preparing these chapters, each of which describes a field of growing importance. Laboratories that have high-performance acoustic microscopes are frequently asked to examine samples for which the highest available resolution is not necessary, and the ability to penetrate opaque layers is more significant. Such applications can be thought of as bridging the gap be tween acoustic microscopy at low gigahertz frequencies, and on the one hand nondestructive testing of materials at low megahertz frequencies and on the other hand medical ultrasonic imaging at low megahertz frequencies. Commercial acoustic microscopes are becoming increasingly available and popular for such applications. We are therefore delighted to be able to begin the volume with chapters from each of those two fields. The first chapter, by Gabriele Pfannschmidt, describes uses of acoustic microscopy in the semiconductor industry. It provides a splendid balance to the opening chapter of Volume 1, which came from a national research center, being written from within a major European electronics industry itself. Dr Pfann schmidt describes the use of two quite different types of acoustic microscopes, and points out the advantages of each for specific purposes.

Advances in Optical and Electron Microscopy, Volume 11 compiles papers on the important developments in optical and electron microscopy. This book discusses the instrumentation and operation for high-resolution electron microscopy; diffraction pattern and camera length; and electron microscopy of surface structure. The history of surface imaging by conventional transmission electron microscopy; ion probe microscopy; and secondary ion mass spectrometry with high lateral resolution are also elaborated. This text likewise covers the acoustic microscopy; quantitative methods; biological applications and near-surface imaging of solids; and interior imaging. This publication is a beneficial to students and individuals researching on optical and electron microscopy.

A scanning acoustic microscope, using the design we have previously described, can now be routinely operated at a frequency of 1 GHz with a corresponding resolution of nearly 1 micron. Operating in transmission a number of biological samples have been imaged. With this high resolution, variations in the elastic properties within individual cells can be seen. Moreover, clear distinctions have been demonstrated between the acoustic images and corresponding optical micrographs. Several alternative imaging modes have also been demonstrated with this instrument. One of these is a phase contrast technique in which the phase of the output signal is compared directly to the phase of the input signal. Another mode is reflection imaging which allows specimens on thick substrates to be viewed. This technique has been applied profitably to an investigation of integrated circuits. (Author).

For many years Acoustic Microscopy has been the definitive book on the subject. A key development since it was first published has been the development of ultrasonic force microscopy. The 2nd edition has a major new chapter on this technique and its applications.

This only and up-to-date monograph on this versatile method covers its use in a range of applications spanning the fields of physics, materials science, electrical engineering, medicine, and research and industry. Following an introduction, the highly experienced author goes on to investigate acoustic field structure, output signal formation in transmission raster acoustic microscopes and non-linear acoustic effects. Further chapters deal with the visco-elastic properties and microstructure of the model systems and composites used, as well as polymer composite materials and the microstructure and physical-mechanical properties of biological tissues. A handy reference for materials scientists, electrical engineers, radiologists, laboratory medics, test engineers, physicists, and graduate students.