Measurement of Elastic Waves Induced by the Reflection of Light
Abstract
The reflection of light from the surface of an elastic solid gives rise to various types of elastic waves that propagate inside the solid. The weakest waves are generally those that are generated by the radiation pressure acting during the reflection of the light. Here, we present the first quantitative measurement of such light-pressure-induced elastic waves inside an ultrahigh-reflectivity mirror. Amplitudes of a few picometers were observed at the rear side of the mirror with a displacement-measuring conical piezoelectric sensor when laser pulses with a fluence of 1J/cm2 were reflected from the front side of the mirror.
- Publication:
-
Physical Review Letters
- Pub Date:
- November 2013
- DOI:
- Bibcode:
- 2013PhRvL.111r5501P
- Keywords:
-
- 62.30.+d;
- 42.50.Wk;
- 42.60.-v;
- 79.20.Ds;
- Mechanical and elastic waves;
- vibrations;
- Mechanical effects of light on material media microstructures and particles;
- Laser optical systems: design and operation;
- Laser-beam impact phenomena