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Converging surface acoustic waves have been generated and detected using a noncontacting technique. A YAG laser together with an axicon lens produces a focussed optical ring which excites both converging and diverging SAW on the test sample. An optical interferometer is used to measure the vertical displacement of the SAW. Variations in the surface acoustic waveforms due to different optical power, beam width and shape, as well as the anisotropic and dispersive properties of the samples are analyzed. The focussing effect and the resolution of the converging surface waves are illustrated. Applications of this technique, using a full or partial optical e xcitation ring, for characterization as well as nondestructive testing of materials are discussed.