Theory for optical detection of picosecond shear acoustic gratings

Abstract

A theoretical formalism describing the heterodyne detection of plane inhomogeneous shear acoustic waves by probe laser-induced gratings is developed. An inhomogeneous plane shear acoustic wave is a purely shear wave with a plane phase front and mechanical displacement vector, which is sinusoidally spatially modulated in magnitude. It could be generated by laser-induced gratings and could be useful for the acoustic testing of sub-micrometer thick membranes and coatings in the gigahertz frequency range. The theory reveals the potential advantages and disadvantages of this wave application in non-destructive testing of materials and fundamental research from the point of view of the feasibility of their experimental detection.

© 2016 Optical Society of America

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