High-Intensity Acoustic Beams

We present a brief overview of the theory of high-intensity nonlinear diffracting beams. Characteristic distortions of the profiles of acoustic waves, which are observed during the wave propagation, are described. The following features are pointed out. First, the positive and negative half periods of the original harmonic signal are differently distorted. The positive-pressure phase duration is shortened and its “amplitude” is increased. On the contrary, the region of negative pressure is somewhat extended and reduced in “amplitude.” Second, the profiles are shifted to the region of negative values of the “accompanying” time, i.e., the diffraction of a convex beam leads to a slight increase in its propagation velocity. In addition, the positive pressure in some range of distances may exceed the initial value. Low-frequency geometric dispersion leads to differentiation of the weak signal profile in the focal region and in the far zone, which leads to the disappearance of unipolar video pulses. A stationary wave composed of sections of a parabolic shape can be formed in the waist. The limiting values of acoustic pressure and wave intensity in the focus are estimated. Approximate mathematical methods and the models used in the calculation of the wave profiles are described.