An Ultrasonic analog for a laser

Abstract

We report measurements on ultrasonic systems analogous to random lasers. One system entails unstable ultrasonic feedback between distinct transducers, another involves a piezoelectric device that emits spontaneously and by stimulation. Both systems are found to exhibit behaviors similar to those of lasers. Over a wide range of parameters we observe narrow single emission lines, sensitivity to linear cavity properties, complex multi-mode emissions, and line narrowing.