Laser-modulated phase-stepping digital shearography for quantitative full-field imaging of ultrasonic waves

Measurement of surface displacements due to ultrasonic wave propagation in elastic solids has traditionally been studied using single-point measurement techniques such as ultrasonic transducers or interferometers. Full-field methods, excluding scanning techniques, are uncommon; examples include holographic interferometry and Schlieren imaging. In many cases, these techniques have been used to yield qualitative results due to inherent difficulties in processing the data. Laser-modulated phase-stepping digital shearography is a full-field, common-path, interferometric method which can be used to quickly visualize ultrasonic wave fields. A shearography system will be described that provides not only whole-field images of ultrasonic waves, but quantitative displacement data within these fields. Images are shown of propagating plate and bar waves, and mathematics relating the calculated optical phase to the ultrasonic wave parameters are presented.