INVITATION FROM THE GENERAL CHAIR

It is my pleasure and privilege to invite you to take part in the 1996 IEEE International Ultrasonics Symposium. As of this writing, it appears that we are headed for a record submission of papers. This surely attests to the global robustness of the ultrasonics community.

While the technical sessions are the core of our conference, I have often thought that the social functions give our annual meeting its heart and soul. A reception will be held on Monday early evening with hearty hors d'oeuvres - a great opportunity to relax with long-time colleagues from all over the work, and to make new acquaintances. Tuesday evening's banquet promises to be exciting for its culinary variety, and perhaps a few surprises. I heartily urge you to take part in these for the change in pace they offer. Guest tours of San Antonio and its environs are planned for each day of the technical sessions.

This is the first Ultrasonics Symposium to be held in San Antonio. Despite being the tenth largest city in the United States, it retains a casual and warm atmosphere. It combines the spirit and cultures of the Old South, the Wild West, Indian and pioneer legacies, and the influence of Spanish, French, German, Scandinavian and many other national and ethnic cultures that built the State of Texas. San Antonio is the home of the Southwest Research Institute and we are grateful for the gracious and friendly local support they have provided.

I am truly fortunate to have the expertise and tireless support of my Symposium Organizing Committee. As volunteers, they demonstrate their deep commitment to the Society and the Symposium: B. T. Khuri-Yakub, Bob Potter, Jerry Jackson, Doron Kishoni, Jian-yu Lu, Janpu Hou, and Moises Levy. Special thanks are due to Beatrice Moreno of Southwest Research Institute, who worked tirelessly on many of the details that will make this gathering so enjoyable.

The excellence of the technical sessions depends entirely on the efforts of the Technical Program Committee, and the Symposium Organizing Committee wishes to express its deepest gratitude to the TPC for assuming its responsibility with a strong sense of commitment. The Administrative Committee of the Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control Society (UFFC-S) has provided timely guidance and valuable experience, and The Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers has graciously provided financial backing to make this a successful meeting.

To all attendees and their guests, let me say Bienvenidos!