What is the process called that uses ultrasonic energy to cause the formation and collapse of small bubbles in liquid?

The process that uses ultrasonic energy to induce the formation and collapse of small bubbles in liquid is known as cavitation. This phenomenon occurs when ultrasonic waves create pressure variations in a liquid, resulting in the rapid formation and implosion of bubbles.

Cavitation is significant in various applications, including medical aesthetics and therapeutic treatments, as it can lead to the effective breakdown of substances or tissues. This process is harnessed in treatments such as ultrasonic lipolysis, where fat cells are targeted and emulsified for easier removal by the body.

In contrast, electroporation involves the use of electrical fields to increase the permeability of cell membranes, facilitating the introduction of substances into cells. Sonophoresis refers to the use of ultrasonic waves to enhance the penetration of topical drugs through the skin, while microdermabrasion is a mechanical exfoliation technique that removes the outermost layer of skin. These processes, while useful in their own right, do not involve the specific bubble formation and collapse characteristic of cavitation.