Generation and detection of 160 MHz acoustic waves using a TEA CO/sub 2/ laser irradiated polymer film combination

High-frequency ( approximately 160 MHz) large-amplitude acoustic waves have been generated by irradiating a thin polymer film with a spontaneously mode-locked TEA (transversely-excited atmosphere) CO/sub 2/ laser and detected using a wide-bandwidth piezoelectric polymer transducer. This approach uses a simple and commonly available infrared laser, does not require special coatings to be deposited on the acoustic generating surface, and is inherently simple in its design and operation.<
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