Laser array line source with adjustable period used for LGUS chemical corrosion detection

A novel optical arrangement to generate a laser array line source of laser-generated ultrasound based on two-beam interference is proposed. The arrangement simplifies the adjustment of the laser array source period by changing the intersection angle of two interference beams. The performance of the arrangement is illustrated through measurements of the surface acoustic wave generated by the nanosecond laser array line source in aluminum metal. The surface acoustic wave generated by the laser line array source has stronger directivity parallel to the direction of the line source. The intensity of the measured surface acoustic wave is higher than that generated by a laser spot source with the same incident energy. The optical arrangement generating the laser array line source will be particularly advantageous in laser-generated ultrasound systems used for chemical corrosion detection.