Microwatt ultrasonic power determination using laser interferometry.

A system using a water-immersed balance with laser interferometer for radiation force measurements has been developed which is capable of determining powers in the range of a few microwatts up to about 100 mW. High consistency of measuring values and low background noise levels are achieved by compensating thermal and atmospheric pressure drifts, shielding the balance system from convection currents and effective isolation from building vibrations. The sensitivity ascertained is 104 micrometer/mW or, expressed as interferometer steps (IS), 8740 IS/mW. The standard deviation for a power output of 100 mu W is less than 1% ; it increases to 11% for 3.5 mu W, the lowest value measured.