Lasers in acoustics

The subject of lasers in acoustics covers the following topics: lasers as unique sources and detectors of sound, coherent optical analysis of signals in multichannel acoustic data systems, and laser-acoustic technology. The results of research at the interfaces between acoustics, quantum and physical electronics, and fiber and integrated optics provide opportunities for developing new methods for experiments in physics and new technical means which can be used to carry out tasks that cannot be performed by traditional methods. An analysis is made of the characteristics of laser generation of sound in condensed media and of the applications of lasers for remote detection of acoustic fields and vibrations. The principles of operation of fiber-optic sound detectors are described. An analysis is made of the possibility of using optical generation and detection of sound in technology and in instruments for nondestructive testing, as well as in multichannel acoustic data systems.