Universal Cure State Monitor

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop and demonstrate a sensor non-contact measurement of the degree of cure of recently applied coatings. The sensor will use recent advances in ultrashort pulsed laser technology to provide an effective and accurate standoff thickness measurement. It will operate at Far-IR wavelengths (THz frequencies) where transmission through commonly used coating materials and adhesives is anticipated. This sensor will have two modes of operation. For materials greater than a few mils thick, time-domain ranging methodology will be combined with the measured Far-IR optical properties of these coatings to determine the overall state of cure of the bulk material. For thinner coatings, the Far-IR optical properties of the surface will be monitored. The Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of the approach using an existing laboratory apparatus with some application specific modifications. The Phase II program will develop and demonstrate a prototype sensor.