Dynamics of Picosecond Laser-Generated Acoustic Waves in Solids

TLDR: In this paper, the generation and propagation characteristics of laser-generated acoustic waves in solids were studied using an optical detection technique and a ZnO piezoelectric transducer.

Abstract: Generation and propagation characteristics of picosecond laser-generated acoustic waves in solids were studied using an optical detection technique and a ZnO piezoelectric transducer. The propagation of laser-generated acoustic waves was directional. At the early stage of propagation, the propagation velocity of the wavefront exceeded the sound velocity in solids. The generation and propagation behavior of acoustic waves are very sensitive to the interaction conditions between laser pulses and solid surfaces. The formation and expansion of laser-generated plasmas affect the generation dynamics of acoustic waves.