As an analogy, according to the researchers, if the focused sound beam is a fast-moving boat on the water, the shock wave pattern is a wake trailing the boat.

The creation of shock waves causes a trailing wake pattern to extend beyond the intended focal point, diminishing tactile perceptions' spatial accuracy and clarity. According to the researchers, if ...

Krueger said shock waves have been used in medicine for a long time, including in lithotripsy for kidney stones since the 1980s. This technology has even been used in some form in ophthalmology.

Meanwhile, waves of air and sound continue to push away from the sides and back of the ship, like the wake coming off a passing speed boat. ( Tonga's volcanic eruption produced a sonic boom heard ...