To obtain spatial information, Gompf and colleague Rainer Pecha trapped a single bubble, using a standing sound wave in a resonator. The preceding sonoluminescence flash was used as a trigger source fed into a delay circuit. To observe the development of the collapse and the generated shock wave, Gompf and Pecha used HeNe laser light, which was scattered by the bubble. The images reveal the development of a spherical shock wave over time. The pressure in the vicinity of the bubble at this moment can be calculated from this, resulting in values in the range of 60,000 atmos.
Theorists expect that conditions sufficient for nuclear fusion are possible.
But with real bubbles, this comes down to the question of how long the shape stays spherical. Gompf said that a perfect spherical implosion would lead to extremely high energies. Although such an extreme case would mean an idealization, scientists are keen to see when and why shape instabilities begin and what the limits are for the energy-focusing collapse. Laurin Publishing Co. Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.