A fiber-optic diagnostic technique for mechanical detection of the laser-metal interaction underwater

A new fiber-optic force sensor based on optical beam deflection for the investigation of the mechanical effects during laser-metal interaction underwater is developed. This sensor is applied to detect the laser-induced plasma ablation force and liquid-jet impact during the cavitation bubble collapse near a solid boundary when a Q-switched laser is focused on a metal in water. The experimental results indicate the liquid-jet effect outweighs the well-known laser-induced plasma ablation force. This technique has the advantages of high-frequency response, simple structure, and nondestructive examination. (C) 2004 American Institute of Physics.