Sonication is a process that uses high-frequency sound waves, typically in the ultrasonic range, to agitate particles in a liquid. This agitation can help to break down cells, disperse materials, or enhance chemical reactions. It is commonly used in laboratories for applications such as cell lysis, where the sound waves disrupt cell membranes to release their contents. The equipment used for sonication is called a sonicator, which can vary in size and complexity. Sonication is widely applied in fields like biotechnology, chemistry, and materials science for tasks such as sample preparation, emulsification, and nanoparticle synthesis.