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Sonoluminescence

What is sonoluminescence? A clear definition from the acoustics and sound section of our glossary, with 12 related terms, tools to try and further reading.

Definition of Sonoluminescence

Sonoluminescence is luminescence induced by sound waves, such as in the emission of light from imploding bubbles in a liquid when excited by sound. Sonoluminescence is sometimes considered a kind of mechanoluminescence. However, mechanoluminescence is typically defined as pertaining to solids, while sonoluminescence usually pertains to liquids. The related terms acoustoluminescence and sonotriboluminescence have been used to describe sound-induced luminescence in solids (e.g., crystals suspended in slurries).

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What is Sonoluminescence?

Sonoluminescence is luminescence induced by sound waves, such as in the emission of light from imploding bubbles in a liquid when excited by sound. Sonoluminescence is sometimes considered a kind of mechanoluminescence.

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