Measurement and analysis of laser generated Rayleigh and Lamb waves considering its pulse duration

In this article, laser generated Rayleigh and Lamb waves are studied by taking into account its pulse duration. The physical model and theoretical solution are presented to predict the corresponding waveforms for aluminum samples under the ablation generation regime. The waveforms of the excited Rayleigh and Lamb waves by laser with selected pulse duration were measured by laser interferometer and analyzed theoretically, and the agreement between measurement and analysis is demonstrated for the validation of the theoretical model and solution. The broadening of the Rayleigh wave and the disappearing of high order Lamb wave modes can be found with the increase of the pulse duration by the laser ultrasonic technique.