Wideband flat frequency response of thermo-acoustic emission

Many advantages of thermo-acoustic (TA) ultrasound over the conventional electro-acoustic ultrasound are mainly attributed to its unique nature-constant (flat) amplitude-frequency response over a wide frequency range. However, realization of the TA flat frequency response itself has so far remained unclear due to the lack of theoretical investigation. In this work, using analysis of thermal-mechanical coupling and thermal wave penetration depth for TA emission in gas, the mechanism and regularities of flat frequency response are clarified. The limits of both frequency and space for the existence of flat frequency response of TA ultrasound are revealed. In addition, the performance evaluation and selection techniques for both TA material and its backing are presented. Therefore, the most important feature of TA ultrasound from a technical standpoint is studied more completely.