Additive laser excitation of multiple surface acoustic waves up to the nonlinear shock regime

Authors:
  • JDJude Deschamps
    Jude Deschamps
  • YKYun Kai
    Yun Kai
  • JLJet Lem
    Jet Lem
  • ICIevgeniia Chaban
    Ievgeniia Chaban
  • ALAlexey Lomonosov
    Alexey Lomonosov
  • AAAbdelmadjid Anane
    Abdelmadjid Anane
  • SKSteven E. Kooi
    Steven E. Kooi
  • KNKeith A. Nelson
    Keith A. Nelson
  • TPThomas Pezeril
    Thomas Pezeril
Preprint
Publisher website
Google Scholar
Abstract
We introduce a non-destructive method for laser-shock wave generation based on additive superposition of multiple laser-excited strain waves. This technique enables strain generation up to mechanical failure of the sample at pump laser fluences below material ablation or melting thresholds. We demonstrate the ability to generate nonlinear surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in Nb:SrTiO3 substrates, at typically 1 kHz repetition rate, with associated strains in the percent range. This study paves the way for the investigation of a host of high-strength SAW-induced phenomena, including phase transitions, fatigue, chemistry, and other effects in bulk samples, thin layers, or two-dimensional materials.