Determination of the transport properties of ultrasonic waves traveling in piezo-electric crystals by imaging with Coulomb coupling

Coulomb coupling has been applied for imaging of bulk and guided acoustic waves propagating in a 0.5 mm thick, z cut Lithium Niobate single-crystal. The excitation and detection of acoustic waves was performed by localized electrical field probes. The developed scheme has been applied to imaging of the transport properties of skimming longitudinal and guided acoustic waves. A short pulse of 20 ns has been used for the excitation of acoustic waves. Broadband coupling is achieved since neither mechanical nor electrical resonances are involved. The attenuation of acoustic waves in piezoelectric crystals is studied by this method. A thin film of conductive silver paint was deposited on the surface of the crystal acting as an acoustic attenuator inducing also mass loading effects and shortening of electrical fields. The group velocities of the propagating acoustic waves for both conditions, with and without the conductive silver paint film, are determined from the propagation of the acoustic wave fronts.