Experimental Investigation of the Laser-Excited Thermoacoustic Array in Water.
Abstract
An experimental evaluation of the Westervelt-Larson theory for the pressure and directivity of the laser-excited thermoacoustic array in water has been conducted. Instrumentation includes a modulated laser system that operates at 0.6943 micrometer and 1.06 micrometers, with a modulated frequency range of 5 to 80 kHz. Apparatus and methods for measuring the attenuation of light in water at the optical wavelengths of interest have also been implemented. An existence test confirmed that an acoustic signal is produced by thermalization of modulated laser light in lake water. The sound is generated in a beam with a measured half-power angle theta that is in reasonable agreement with theoretical prediction. The source level is a linear function of laser output power and measured absolute values of source level are in good agreement with theory. It may be concluded that the Westervelt-Larson theory is a valid model for predicting the pressure and directivity of the laser-excited thermoacoustic array in water.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 23, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA017372
Entities
People
- C. Robert Culbertson
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin