The geometrical and physical properties of the surface and the near-surface layers can be modified by a mechanical or a thermal impact. If these variations are coupled with a modification of the thermal properties, they become detectable by photothermal means. In order to perform some fundamental experiments, we chose the Vickers hardness test as a model for a slight and reproducible mechanical impact. The surroundings near the deformed areas were scanned ; the optical beam deflection as well as the radiometric signal were measured and compared with the optical microscopic images