Laser-induced acoustic point source for accurate impulse response measurements within the audible bandwidth.

Laser induced air breakdown is proposed as a sound source for accurate impulse response measurements. Within the audible bandwidth, the source is repeatable, broadband, and omnidirectional. The applicability of the source was evaluated by measuring the impulse response of a room. The proposed source provides a more accurate temporal and spatial representation of room reflections than conventional loudspeakers due to its omnidirectionality, negligible size and short pulse duration.