Method for generation mechanical waves by generation of interfacial acoustic radiation force

A method for generation generating and imaging of mechanical waves within a viscoelastic medium, comprising:

• a step for utilizing acoustic force generating means for generating an acoustic radiation force within the viscoelastic medium by the application of focalized acoustic waves focused on an interface delimiting two zones having distinct acoustic properties, the acoustic radiation force causing the propagation of precisely generated mechanical waves in the viscoelastic medium;
• coupled with an imaging step of the medium, the coupling being such that propagation of the mechanical waves generated in the medium is imaged, the step for generating being carried out by application of acoustic waves focused on an interface delimiting two zones having distinct acoustic properties coupling an imaging modality to the acoustic force generating means;
• and utilizing the coupled imaging modality to provide an image of the propagation of the precisely generated mechanical waves.