Methods and systems for modulating acoustic energy delivery

An apparatus for treating one or more samples using acoustic energy, the apparatus comprising:

• a vessel for holding a sample in the vessel;
• a vessel holder for holding the vessel having the sample;
• a medium container for holding a liquid medium;
• an acoustic energy source comprising a transducer that is spaced from and exterior to the vessel, the transducer for producing at least one focused acoustic field having a frequency of between about 100 kilohertz and about 100 megahertz, having a focal zone located entirely within the vessel and having a width of less than about 2 centimeters, and having energy sufficient to induce cavitation for at least 10 seconds in the sample in the vessel, the acoustic energy source being arranged so that acoustic energy from the acoustic energy source passes through a liquid medium in the medium container toward the vessel when the vessel is positioned at a location at least partially in the focal zone of the acoustic energy source;
• and
• a processor for receiving information on the sample in the vessel and for controlling at least one of the acoustic energy source and a location of the vessel relative to the at least one focused acoustic field based, at least in part, on the information.