We show that the photoacoustic pressure in one, two, and three dimensions can be found as mappings of the optical deposition of heat in space for short optical radiation pulses. In addition, we find the photoacoustic pressure to be proportional to the zeroth derivative in one dimension, the one-half derivative in two dimensions, and the first derivative in three dimensions of the optical radiation intensity for long pulses. Experiments with fluid layers, cylinders, and droplets give ultrasonic wave forms that are in general agreement with the theorems.

• Received 25 July 1991

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.67.3384