Method and system for cataract tissue sensing

A system for use in a phacoemulsification procedure comprising:

• a console comprising a processor and a memory device;
• and
• an ultrasonic handpiece comprising a needle coupled with a distal end of the ultrasonic handpiece, wherein the needle comprises a distal end and wherein the ultrasonic handpiece is coupled with the console;
• the processor configured to generate a sensing signal through a frequency range centered at a local resonant frequency of the ultrasonic handpiece;
• the processor configured to measure impedance characteristics of the sensing signal at the distal end of the needle;
• the processor configured to compare the measured impedance characteristics of the generated sensing signal with one or more impedance profiles stored in the memory device;
• the processor and the memory device configured to classify, based on the comparison between the measured impedance characteristics and the stored one or more impedance profiles, a medium contacting the distal end of the needle;
• and
• the processor configured to control an output of the ultrasonic handpiece based on the classification of the medium contacting the distal end of the needle.