Waveguide based acoustic microscope with application to the evaluation of bone

A new ultrasonic scanning system has been developed which is capable of accurate velocity measurements with high spatial resolution. The approach is particularly well suited to the inspection of low density materials such as bone. One application is shown to demonstrate the capabilities of the instrument: imaging of thin slices of horses which demonstrates subchondral sclerosis. Comparison these images with micro-radiographs of the bone samples will facilitate the characterization of this material.