Ultrasonic waves propagating inside a transparent solid have been investigated by using a combination of laser interferometry and photoelastic effect. In comparison with the classical photoelastic technique, the present heterodyne method is sensitive not only to the amplitude but also to the phase of acoustic strains. Pulsed strains of longitudinal, shear, and Rayleigh waves have been experimentally achieved. The phase changes of ultrasonic pulses reflected at the different interfaces were investigated. In addition, the polarization states of shear waves have been observed using the heterodyne detection.
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