Standard Probes for the Q500 and Q700 Sonicators

Overview Horns (also known as probes) are made from titanium and machined to specific sizes and shapes. When driven at their resonant frequency, they expand and contract longitudinally. This mechanical vibration is amplified and transmitted down the length of the probe. In liquid, the probe causes cavitation which constitutes the main mechanism for sample processing. Choosing the appropriate horn is extremely important. The sample volume which can be processed is directly related to the tip diameter. Smaller tip diameters deliver high intensity sonication, but the energy is focused within a small, concentrated area. Larger tip diameters can process larger volumes, but offer lower intensity. Probes are offered with replaceable or solid tips. Probes with replaceable tips allow easy, low-cost tip replacement, but cannot be used with organic solvents. Solid probes must be used for samples containing organic solvents or low surface tension liquids. Probe tips will pit or erode over time a