Beam distortion detection and deflectometry measurements of gigahertz surface acoustic waves

Gigahertz acoustic waves propagating on the surface of a metal halfspace are detected using different all-optical detection schemes, namely, deflectometry and beam distortion detection techniques. Both techniques are implemented by slightly modifying a conventional reflectometric setup. They are then based on the measurement of the reflectivity change but unlike reflectometric measurements, they give access to the sample surface displacement. A semi-analytical model, taking into account optical, thermal, and mechanical processes responsible for acoustic waves generation, allows analyzing the physical content of the detected waveforms. (C) 2011 American Institute of Physics. [doi: 10.1063/1.3660193]