A short history of acoustical microscopy

Optical microscopy has a long and interesting history, going back thousands of years to discoveries made in both Assyrian and Mayan cultures. Acoustical microscopy, on the other hand, has had a much shorter but equally interesting history, going back only to the mid‐20th century. This presentation traces the development of acoustical microscopy from its very beginnings to the present. Comparisons with other microscopic techniques will point out the unique features offered by acoustical microscopy. A wide range of application areas will be reviewed and future prospects and potentials discussed.