A device for producing high pressure ultrasound pulses. The device includes an ultrasound source having a piezoelectric transducer provided with electrodes and presenting polarization in a given direction (f.sub.1). An electrical voltage is applied to the electrodes to emit an ultrasound wave and to apply an electric field in a direction (f.sub.2) opposite to the polarization direction (f.sub.1) in order to compress the ultrasound transducer. A transient electric field having the same direction (f.sub.3) as the polarization direction (f.sub.1) is then applied so as to cause a compression ultrasound wave to be emitted in the coupling medium.