Proposal for photoacoustic ultrasonic generator based on Tamm plasmon structures

Abstract: The scheme of generation of ultrasound waves based on optically excited Tamm plasmon structures is proposed. It is shown that Tamm plasmon structures can provide total absorption of a laser pulse with arbitrary wavelength in a metallic layer providing the possibility of the use of an infrared semiconductor laser for the excitation of ultrasound waves. Laser pulse absorption, heat transfer and dynamical properties of the structure are modeled, and the optimal design of the structure is found. It is demonstrated that the Tamm plasmon-based photoacoustic generator can emit ultrasound waves in the frequency band up to 100 MHz with pre-defined frequency spectrum. Optical power to sound power conversion efficiency grows linearly with frequency of the laser modulation and excitation power.