Why Isn't My Sonoluminescence Experiment Working?

In summary, the person is having trouble with their sonoluminescence experiment where they can trap a bubble but cannot get it to glow. They are following a similar procedure as 'The Thought Emporium' and have one transducer at the bottom instead of two on either side of the flask. They have tried using peripheral vision and taking a long exposure photograph to see the glow, but have been unsuccessful. They are now considering using a stereo microscope to view the bubble in the dark. They are looking for advice or if anyone else has successfully done this experiment following this procedure.
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Beekeeper
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I am working on a sonoluminescence experiment and am having trouble with it. The problem is that although I can trap a bubble, I cannot get it to glow.
Hi, I am working on a sonoluminescence experiment and am having trouble with it. The problem is that although I can trap a bubble, I cannot get it to glow.

I am following the same procedure described by 'The Thought Emporium' and you can see a video about it here: .

In a nutshell the procedure is similar to the standard one described here: http://techmind.org/sl/ but rather than having two transducers on either side of the flask, I just have one transducer at the bottom.

Below is a picture of my flask with the trapped bubble. I wonder if anyone else has attempted the experiment following this procedure and been successful or can offer me any advice?

Thanks.

Trapped Bubble in Flask.jpg
 
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  • #2
I remember doing this a long time ago in school and being frustrated by it. Turned out that we did it correctly but we couldn't see it by looking at it directly - we had to use peripheral vision. You could try that, or try taking a long exposure photograph if possible.
 
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Thanks for your reply.

I have been wondering for a while if it was working but simply the glow was too dim to be noticed by the naked eye.

I have tried taking a photo with a long exposure as suggested however have been unsuccessful capturing any glow. Admittedly the camera I am using is not great.

I was thinking to look at the bubble in the dark through a stereo microscope or similar. Anyone tried this or is it a bad idea?
 

FAQ: Why Isn't My Sonoluminescence Experiment Working?

Why isn't my sonoluminescence experiment producing light?

There are several potential reasons for this. Common issues include improper alignment of the transducers, incorrect frequency settings, insufficient acoustic power, or impurities in the water. Ensure that all components are correctly set up and that you are using distilled water to avoid contamination.

How can I ensure the correct frequency for sonoluminescence?

Sonoluminescence typically occurs at specific ultrasonic frequencies, often in the range of 20-40 kHz. Use a function generator and oscilloscope to precisely tune the frequency. Adjustments in small increments may be necessary to find the exact resonant frequency for your setup.

What type of water should I use in my sonoluminescence experiment?

Distilled and degassed water is recommended for sonoluminescence experiments. Impurities and dissolved gases in tap water can interfere with the formation of stable cavitation bubbles, which are essential for producing light.

How important is the alignment of the transducers?

Proper alignment of the transducers is crucial for creating a stable acoustic field. Misalignment can result in uneven pressure distribution, preventing the formation of stable cavitation bubbles. Use precise positioning tools and check alignment regularly during the experiment.

Can temperature affect my sonoluminescence experiment?

Yes, temperature can significantly impact the behavior of cavitation bubbles. Experiments are typically conducted at room temperature, but slight variations can affect results. Ensure your experimental setup maintains a consistent temperature to improve reproducibility.

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