Core Technology of Ultrasonic Processors

The fundamental mechanism of an ultrasonic processor is the ultrasonic cavitation effect. Operation begins with the main unit converting electrical energy into a high-frequency electrical signal (typically around 20 kHz); this signal drives the piezoelectric ceramic elements within the transducer, transforming the electrical energy into mechanical vibrations at the same frequency. These mechanical vibrations are amplified by a probe (horn) and transmitted to the tip, which is immersed in the sample solution .

As high-intensity ultrasonic waves propagate through a liquid medium, alternating phases of compression and rarefaction are generated. During the rarefaction phase (low-pressure zone), the local liquid pressure drops below its vapor pressure, causing the liquid to be "torn apart" and resulting in the formation of numerous micron-sized cavitation bubbles. Upon the arrival of the subsequent compression phase (high-pressure zone), these cavitation bubbles rapidly collapse and implode. The moment a cavitation bubble collapses, energy is released within a minute space, generating shock waves with local pressures reaching up to 1,000 atmospheres and micro-jets traveling at speeds exceeding 400 km/h. These powerful mechanical forces act directly on the cell membranes or cell walls within the sample, causing fatigue and rupture, thereby releasing intracellular contents. The core advantage of a multi-channel design lies in the integration of multiple ultrasonic probes (horns) to enable simultaneous, parallel processing of multiple samples, offering benefits such as high throughput, excellent reproducibility, and automated operation.