Solid and annular probes have been used successfully for the disintergration of kidney stones percantainously for many years. This medical technology can be applied to fracturing stones of rocks during planetary exploration. Since these ultrasonic probes generate more than enough energy to pulverize the various types of large kidney stones found in humans they have the same affect on common rocks found throughout the country. In fact, sandstones, shales, etc. are used for testing new designs as kidney stones for lab tests are often difficult to acquire. The ultrasonix systems can be re-designed to suit the space and energy constraints inherent in a planetary exploration vehicle. We will in effect, miniaturize all the hardware but still develop sufficient power to drill, or fracture rocks. We will store and build on the solar energy provided. Upon need, we will pulse through the transducer from the generator in a manner that will cause the probe to hammer into the rocks at approximately 20Khz. The probes can vary in length (approx. 1-20inches and .020-.187 inches) and diameter to meet the requirements. The generator/amplifier will be packaged in a 5x5x3 inch housing to provied a compact unit.
