Patent ID: 6470752
Filing Date: 2002-10-29
Classification: G01H

Abstract:
An ultrasonic detection method comprising the steps of:(a) introducing a light beam into an ultrasonic-optical transducer including a first optical layer and a second optical layer which define a gap having a predetermined length therebetween from a side of said first optical layer such that the light beam is totally reflected at an interface between said first optical layer and said gap to obtain the reflected light beam, said introduced light beam having a wavelength larger than the predetermined length of said gap; (b) applying ultrasonic waves onto said ultrasonic-optical transducer from a side of said second optical layer such that said second optical layer resiliently deforms to thereby vary intensity of light leaking from said first optical layer via said gap into said second optical layer; (c) two-dimensionally detecting distribution of intensity of the reflected light beam which varies depending on variation of the intensity of the light leaking from said first optical layer via said gap into said second optical layer; and (d) two-dimensionally obtaining distribution of sound pressure of the ultrasonic waves applied on said second optical layer on the basis of the distribution of intensity of the reflected light beam detected at step (c).