Levitation of Iridium and Liquid Mercury by Ultrasound

Single-axis acoustic levitation of the heaviest solid (iridium, [Formula presented]) and liquid (mercury, [Formula presented] on the Earth is achieved by greatly enhancing both the levitation force and stability through optimizing the geometric parameters of the levitator. The acoustically levitated Pb-Sn eutectic alloy melt ([Formula presented]) is highly undercooled by up to 38 K, which results in a microstructural transition of “lamellae—broken lamellae—dendrites.” The drastic enhancement of levitation capability indicates a broader application range of single-axis acoustic levitation.