Characterization of liquids using leaky surface acoustic waves in YX-LiTaO3

The possibility of liquids characterization and identification using leaky surface acoustic waves in YX-LiTaO₃ was demonstrated. The leaky surface wave radiates the obliquely propagating bulk wave, which is reflected from the opposite surface of the substrate. Deposition of a liquid droplet onto the reflection area leads to changes in the loss and phase of transmitted acoustic wave, which depend on liquid conductivity. Saline water and iso-propyl solutions of different concentrations were used as test liquids. The acoustic response to liquid conductivity is explained by the acoustoelectric interaction and applied for identification of several commercial brands of mineral water with different ionic composition.