Laser-based linear and nonlinear guided elastic waves at surfaces (2D) and wedges (1D)

•Theory and applications of guided linear surface acoustic waves (SAWs) (elastic coefficients, NDE).•Theory and applications of nonlinear solitary and shocked SAWs (fracture strength).•Selected excitation of fundamental and pseudo-wedge waves (WWs) with angle-tuned transducer.•Theory and applications of linear and nonlinear WWs (solitary, shocked).

The characteristic features and applications of linear and nonlinear guided elastic waves propagating along surfaces (2D) and wedges (1D) are discussed. Laser-based excitation, detection, or contact-free analysis of these guided waves with pump–probe methods are reviewed. Determination of material parameters by broadband surface acoustic waves (SAWs) and other applications in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) are considered. The realization of nonlinear SAWs in the form of solitary waves and as shock waves, used for the determination of the fracture strength, is described. The unique properties of dispersion-free wedge waves (WWs) propagating along homogeneous wedges and of dispersive wedge waves observed in the presence of wedge modifications such as tip truncation or coatings are outlined. Theoretical and experimental results on nonlinear wedge waves in isotropic and anisotropic solids are presented.