A new method to measure bone properties by means of leaky surface acoustic waves

Experiments on excitation and detection of leaky surface acoustic waves on bones have been performed using linearly converging lens at a frequency of 1MHz. In the experiments, leaky surface skimming compressional waves (LSSCWs) have been successfully excited on a polished flat surface of bovine bone with a coupling medium of water. Phase velocities of LSSCWs have been measured by the V (z) curve analysis method developed in acoustic microscopy. The system is expected to develop a new type of diagnostic equipment for bones.