RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES

ULTRASONIC INTERFEROMETER
(FOR THE MEASUREMENT OF ULTRASONIC VELOCITY IN LIQUIDS)

Aim: To determine the velocity of Ultrasonic waves in a given liquid by using Ultrasonic
Interferometer.

Apparatus: High Frequency Generator: 2 MHz, Measuring Cell, Given Liquid.

Formula:
Velocity of Ultrasonic waves in given liquid (v) = Wavelength Frequency
v = f m/s

 =2×d
Where λ is the wavelength of the Ultrasonic wave in meters

f is the Frequency of Ultrasonic waves in Hz

d is the distance between two maxima’s or minima’s

Least count of Micrometer = Pitch of the screw / Total number of divisions on circular scale

=0.5mm / 50 divisions

=0.01mm

WORKING PRINCIPLE
An Ultrasonic Interferometer is a simple and direct device to determine the ultrasonic velocity in
liquids with a high degree of accuracy. The principle used in the measurement of velocity (v) is
based on the accurate determination of the wavelength () in the medium. Ultrasonic waves of
known frequency (f) are produced by a quartz crystal fixed at the bottom of the cell. These waves
a are reflected by a movable metallic plate kept parallel to the quartz crystal. If the separation
between these two plates is exactly a whole multiple of the sound wavelength, standing waves are
formed in the medium. This acoustic resonance gives rise to an electrical reaction on the
generator driving the quartz crystal and the anode current of the generator becomes maximum. If
the distance is now increased or decreased and the variation is exactly one half wavelength (/2)
or multiple of it, anode current becomes maximum. From the knowledge of wavelength () the
velocity (v) can be obtained by the relation:

Velocity = Wavelength Frequency

v = f

1|P a ge
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
 RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES

DESCRIPTION:
The Ultrasonic Interferometer consists of the following parts:
a) The High Frequency Generator: 2 MHz
b) The Measuring Cell: 2 MHz

a) The High Frequency Generator is designed to excite the quartz crystal fixed at the bottom of
the measuring cell at its resonant frequency to generate ultrasonic waves in the experimental
liquid filled in the “Measuring Cell ". A micrometer to observe the changes in current and two
controls for the purpose of sensitivity regulation and initial adjustment of the micrometer are
provided on the panel of the High Frequency Generator.

b) The Measuring Cell is specially designed double walled cell for maintaining the temperature
of the liquid constant during the experiment. A fine micrometer screw has been provided at the
top, which can lower or raise the reflector plate in the liquid in the liquid in the cell through a
known distance. It has a quartz crystal fixed at its bottom.

2|P a ge
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
 RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES

Fig. Cross-Section of the Liquid Cell

Fig 2. Position of Reflector vs Crystal Current

Note: Extra peaks in between minima and maxima may occurs due to a number of reasons, but
they don’t effect the value of /2.

3|P a ge
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
 RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES

ADJUSTMENTS OF ULTRASONIC INTERFEROMETER

For initial adjustment two knobs are provided on high frequency generator, one is marked with
"ADJ" to adjust the position of the needle on the Ammeter and the knob marked "GAIN" is used
to increase the sensitivity of the instrument for greater deflection, if desired. The ammeter is used
to notice the number of maximum deflections while micrometer is moved up and down in liquid.

PROCEDURE

1. Unscrew the knurled cap of cell and lift it away from double walled construction of the cell. In
the middle portion of it pour experimental liquid and screw the knurled cap. Wipe out excess
liquid overflowing from the cell.
2. Insert the cell in the square base socket and clamp it with the help of a screw provided on its
side.
3. Connect the High Frequency Generator with cell by co-axial cable provided with the
instrument.
4. Move the micrometer slowly in either clockwise or anticlockwise direction till the anode
current on the ammeter on the High Frequency Generator shows a maximum or minimum.
5. Note the readings of micrometer corresponding to the maximum or minimum (whichever is
sharper) in micro-ammeter. Take about 10 readings of consecutive maximum or minimum and
tabulate them as shown below.
TABULAR COLUMN:
To find the velocity of Ultrasonic waves in the liquid
Type of liquid =
Frequency of the Generator (f) =..... Hz
Least Count = 0.01 mm

4|P a ge
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
 RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES

Difference between consecutive

Micrometer Reading corresponding to Maximum maxima/minima(d=/2)
S.NO /Minimum
d=(Final value – Initial value)× Least count
Initial value Final value
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Average (d) =

6. Take average of all the differences (/2)

7. Once the wavelength () is known the velocity (v) in the liquid can be calculated with the help
of the relation
v = f

CALCULATIONS
Sample: Water
Frequency f = 2 MHz
Average  = mm
Ultrasonic velocity in Sample,
v f  m/sec

5|P a ge
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS
 RAJIV GANDHI UNIVERSITY OF KNOWLEDGE TECHNOLOGIES

PRECAUTIONS:

A. Do not switch ON the generator without filling the experimental liquid in the cell.
B. Do not tilt the cell after filling the liquid to avoid flow of liquid towards micrometer
which may rust/jam the threads of micrometer head.
C. Remove experimental liquid out of cell after use. Keep it cleaned and dried.
D. Keep micrometer open at 25mm after use.
E. Avoid sudden rise or fall in temperature of circulated liquid to prevent thermal shock to the
quartz crystal
F. While cleaning the cell care should be taken not to spoil or scratch the gold plating on the
quartz crystal.
G. Give your generator 15 seconds warming up time before the observation.

Result

Velocity of ultrasonic waves in the given liquid by using Ultrasonic Interferometer is = m/s

6|P a ge
DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS