Systems and methods for automatic alignment and focusing of light in laser ultrasound testing
US11073500B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 7, 2018 |
| Grant date | Jul 27, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2039 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2291/2694
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method for testing a structure using laser ultrasound includes steps of: (1) directing positioning light on a surface of the structure; (2) determining a spatial location and a spatial orientation of the surface from an evaluation of the positioning light reflected back from the surface; (3) directing pump light onto the surface to generate ultrasonic waves in the structure; (4) selectively locating a probe-light focal point of probe light on the surface, based on the spatial location determined for the surface; (5) selectively angularly orienting the probe light normal to the surface, based on the spatial orientation determined for the surface; and (6) directing the probe light onto the surface to detect a response to the ultrasonic waves.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.