Embodiments of the present invention relates to an improved laser for the optical detection of ultrasound. The primary task of this "first" detection laser is to illuminate the spot where a "second" laser is used to generate ultrasound in the part under test. The scattered light from the first laser is collected and analyzed with an interferometer to demodulate the surface vibrations caused by the return echoes of the ultrasound at the surface of the part. The improved detection laser (first laser) is constructed using a diode-pumped fiber laser to produce a high power single-frequency laser source.