A laser-based ultrasound inspection system comprising an object for inspection (1), a laser device for ultrasound generation (3a), a laser device for ultrasound detection (3b), and a coating arrangement (4) including a laser absorbing layer (4a) disposed on a surface (2) of the object for inspection (1), a backing layer (4b) disposed over the laser absorbing layer (4a), and reflective particles (4c) or a partially reflective layer coupled to the surface (2) of the object for inspection.