Compact pulse-echo phase detection technique using MOKU-GO

We present a cost-efficient realization of phase detection technique for precise measurements of speed of sound in materials. We used a commercial software-defined instrument based on a field programmable gated array microchip set, which we programmed using Python code. The excitation pulses are generated by computer-controlled function generator; the temperature control is done by a standard temperature controller. Performance of the instrument was tested on the example of K0.98Li0.08TaO3 crystal as it undergoes a ferroelectric phase transition. The measurements were performed at frequency of 16 MHz in the temperature range of 64 – 300 K. The whole setup was operated and data analyzed by specially-written computer algorithm. The results of the test are presented; the directions for future work are outlined.

This work was partially supported by NSF CMMI award #2337506