Abstract: A method of dissociating single cells from a biological tissue sample is described herein, along with systems for performing such methods. The method includes generating one or more ultrasonic wave pulses using a transducer comprising one or more Fresnel Annular Sector Actuator (FASA) elements; and applying energy from the generated one or more ultrasonic wave pulses to a sample container holding the biological tissue sample through a coupling medium that couples the one or more FASA elements to the sample container to dissociate single cells from the biological tissue is described herein.

Abstract: A system for processing fluid samples includes a centrifuge assembly in combination with a transducer assembly, where one or more sample containers for containing fluid samples are connected to the centrifuge assembly. The centrifuge assembly is configured to rotate about a centrifuge-assembly axis in a rotating configuration of the system, and the transducer assembly is configured to direct ultrasonic energy towards the one or more sample containers in an ultrasonic-processing configuration of the system.

Abstract: Example methods and systems are directed to controlled fragmentation of genetic samples that include chains of nucleic acid. Waveform inputs to a transducer configured as Fresnel Annular Sector Actuator (FASA) are used to focus acoustic energy at the genetic sample in a controlled fragmentation process that reduces the genetic sample to a desired average fragment size for the resulting chains of nucleic acid.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to form high efficiency and uniform Fresnel lens arrays for ultrasonic liquid manipulation are provided. An ultrasonic transducer array may be fabricated by forming top and bottom electrodes on top and bottom surfaces of a sensor plate. The ultrasonic transducer array may generate ultrasonic energy to manipulate one or more samples. Each of the top and bottom electrodes may be coupled to a radio frequency source and arranged to form one of a solid shape or a pattern. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for ultrasonic coupling using ultrasonic radiation pressure generating are provided. Ultrasonic energy is generated to propagate in the form of ultrasonic waves in a medium coupled to a second element. The ultrasonic energy is converged in the medium to couple the medium to an object located at a distance from the second element. Additional apparatus and methods are disclosed.