CHeap Optical Transducers (CHOTs) for generation and detection of longitudinal waves

CHeap Optical Transducers (CHOTs) are a new breed of ultrasonic transducers that are optically activated for generation and detection of ultrasonic signals. CHOTs offer a range of advantages over the traditional contact piezoelectric transducers: remote, reliable, couplant free operation with low impact on the inspected structure, activated by light, eliminating the need of wires. Coupled to the potential to become inexpensive to manufacture and the simplicity of their operation, these advantages over traditional transducers make CHOTs ideal for industrial applications. We have previously demonstrated CHOTs' ability to generate and detect surface acoustic waves. In this article we will extend this concept to longitudinal waves. Results are presented from CHOTs generating and detecting focused longitudinal ultrasonic waves at 10MHz.