Microbubble surface modes [ultrasound contrast agents]

We have investigated surface vibrations generated by ultrasound excitation of individual unencapsulated micron-sized bubbles. In addition, we present surface modes (n=2 and 3) observed for phospholipid-coated ultrasound contrast agents excited through excitation of radial modes at frequencies between 1 and 4 MHz. Even higher modes of vibration (up to mode 5) are observed for coated microbubbles at insonation frequencies of 10 and 19 MHz. The potential relevance of surface modes for medical ultrasound is discussed, including the possible implications for current theoretical models of ultrasound contrast agents.