A magnetic field diagnostic for sonoluminescence

Abstract

This study is motivated by the extraordinary process of single bubble sonoluminescence (SBSL), where an acoustically driven spherical shock is thought to power the emitted radiation. We propose new experiments using an external magnetic field which can induce anisotropies in both the shock propagation and radiation pattern. The effects will depend on the temperature, conductivity, and size of the radiating region. Our predictions suggest that such a laboratory experiment could serve as an important diagnostic in placing bounds on these parameters and understanding the physics of sonoluminescence.