Standard Probes

Horns (also known as probes) are made from titanium and machined to specific sizes and shapes. When driven at their resonant frequency, they expand and contract longitudinally. This mechanical vibration is amplified and transmitted down the length of the probe. In liquid, the probe causes cavitation which constitutes the main mechanism for sample processing.

Choosing the appropriate horn is extremely important. The sample volume to be processed is directly related to the tip diameter. Smaller tip diameters (Microtip probes) deliver high intensity sonication, but the energy is focused within a small, concentrated area. Larger tip diameters can process larger volumes, but offer lower intensity. Probes are offered with replaceable or solid tips.

Probe tips will pit or erode over time and require replacement. Using an excessively worn tip can affect your results and possibly overload the generator. Solid probes must be used for samples containing organic solvents or low surface tension liquids.