Generation and detection of thermoelastic waves in metals by a photothermal mirror method

Abstract

We investigate the thermoelastic waves launched by a localized heat deposition. Pulsed laser excitation is used to generate mechanical perturbations in metals that are detected using the photothermal mirror method. This method detects the wavefront distortion of the probe beam reflected from the perturbed sample surface. Nanometer scale expansion of the material is induced just under the irradiated surface releasing transient thermoelastic waves of much smaller amplitudes on the surface. Numerical predictions and the experimental results are in a good agreement and represent both the thermal diffusion of the large amplitude, long-lasting outward bulge, and the released elastic waves.