LASER UT

Non-Contact Ultrasonic Inspection

Laser ultrasonics (laser UT) generates and detects ultrasound with light instead of a transducer. A pulsed laser creates an ultrasonic wave at the surface of the part, and a second laser or optical sensor reads the returning echoes. Because nothing touches the part and no couplant is needed, laser UT can follow complex contours at a fixed stand-off and is well suited to robotic scanning. At the AIMM Center, non-contact laser-excited ultrasound is part of our robotic inspection toolset with partner Omni NDE.

Laser Ultrasonics (Laser UT) at a Glance

What it finds

  • Delaminations and disbonds
  • Porosity
  • Thickness variations
  • Defects on complex contours without contact

Typical parts

  • Contoured aerospace skins and stiffeners
  • Parts that cannot be wetted or touched
  • Hot or moving parts on a line
  • Robot-scanned large structures

Limitations

  • Higher system cost and complexity than contact UT
  • Requires laser safety controls
  • Surface finish and absorption affect signal strength
  • Very thick or attenuating materials limit penetration
REQUEST A QUOTE / DEMOFEASIBILITY STUDY

Have a part, program or inspection challenge?

Tell us what you need to inspect. We will recommend the right method and quote the work, or arrange a demo at the AIMM Center.

REQUEST A QUOTEREQUEST A DEMOFEASIBILITY STUDY