Spatiotemporal mapping of surface acoustic waves in isotropic and anisotropic materials

We demonstrate a new method for a real-time imaging of surface acoustic waves at frequencies up to 1 GHz with picosecond temporal and micron spatial resolutions using an ultrafast optical pump and probe technique combined with a common path interferometer. Using samples with isotropic or anisotropic substrates coated with metallic thin films, we observe the propagation of Rayleigh-like modes and surface-skimming bulk modes as well as resolving surface phonon focusing effects. In addition we image surface acoustic wave propagation in a laterally inhomogeneous sample. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.