Single-shot ultrafast dual-view imaging of shock waves in parallel laser processing

Abstract

Single-shot ultrafast optical imaging has revealed various non-repetitive processes, but it has conventionally provided only single-view measurements. Here, we demonstrate a single-shot ultrafast dual-view imaging technique by monitoring shock waves in laser processing of glass using single or parallelized excitation pulses. We visualize the spatiotemporal evolution of shock waves in air at 0.5 Gfps with five frames in both top and side views, indicating the velocity anisotropy and interaction of shock waves. Our technique can contribute to a comprehensive understanding not only of shock wave dynamics but also of other spatially complex ultrafast phenomena including laser-induced plasma and electrical discharge.