Wet Film Thickness Sensor/Device for Navy Platforms

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) proposes to develop and demonstrate a sensor technology for non-contact thickness measurements of freshly applied wet marine paint. This sensor is intended for eventual integration into APACTS (Automated Paint, Application, Containment, and Treatment System), which has been developed by Oceaneering Marine Systems. 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 marine paints is anticipated. Time-domain ranging methodology will be combined with the measured Far-IR optical properties of these paints for the thickness determination. The Phase I program will demonstrate the feasibility of the approach using an existing laboratory apparatus. The Phase II program will develop and demonstrate a prototype sensor.