86 4 Wave Physics of the Sound Field

a I-----,z,----l b
I-----Z,--~...j

c d

Fig.4.36. Focussing techniques. a Spherically curved radiator; b plane radiator with plane-
concave lens; c plane radiator with hollow mirror; d plane radiator with phase plate

JO
d8 ,1,0 J10 1
000 -6d8
20
Co Range
focus
Of-=I 10
0
10
0
I I 0

If
0

o 10 20 JO 1,0 50 60 70 80 90 mm 110
z-

.~~:
!) r~~-~~so~~~-~o;:::=Al:;;::=~=:~:f1=:---- =G-----6d8

--~ c I o-----6d8
~:

Fig.4.37. Focussing radiator with cone-shaped lens [1149], K"" 0.3, smallest beam width
2.3 mm, angle of divergence 1.8° measured in steel

The smallest beam width which can be achieved by focussing depends on the
ratio DI A. For equal size radiators therefore the focussed beam width is propor-
tional to the wavelength.
Figure 4.36 and 4.37 show some possibilities offocussing the field ofpiezo-elec-
tric circular radiators. The examples in Fig. 4.36 are mainly designed for immersion
testing, but may be used also for contact in combination with special adapators.
That in Fig. 4.3 7 may be used for both methods the lens having a conical shape. By
this method the focus is less sharp but has a longer axial range (see also Sec-
tion lOA). This lens is made from a combination of aluminium and Perspex, but it
may also be of a combination of two plastics, for example polystyrene and Perspex.
The principle of the "axicon" has also been used, that is a combination of annu-
lar oscillators of a conical shape combined with a concentric conical mirror, cf.
[1099].