Optodynamic description of a linear momentum transfer from a laser induced ultrasonic wave to a rod

We present a new optodynamic experimental technique to measure the linear momentum obtained by a rod during a nanosecond laser pulse ablation of the rod’s front face on the basis of the displacement due to an ultrasonic wave reflection at its rear end. With the help of a simple theory, we explained the step-like motion of the rod’s free end. This theory conforms well with the general shape of the measured displacement history curve. The acquired momentum can be directly estimated by measuring the height of a step from the step-like motion of the rod’s end. Measurements based on an arm-compensated Michelson interferometer also enabled us to follow the attenuation of an ultrasonic wave and so to determine the characteristic attenuation time. This quantity plays a major role in the transfer of linear momentum from within the initial ultrasonic wave to the final net uniform motion of the specimen.