Advanced Laser Ultrasonic Receiver For Low-Cost Manufacturing Inspection And Process Control

This Small Business Innovative Research Phase I project will demonstrate the feasibility of using a new type of adaptive receiver as part of a low-cost laser ultrasonic inspection system for manufacturing inspection and process control. Our goal is toproduce a very high detection sensitivity, while maintaining the capability to compensate for mechanical vibrations and atmospheric turbulence that are present in the factory environment. Higher sensitivity results in a reduction in power/energyrequirements for the lasers used in an inspection system, and thus a reduction in hardware cost. The cost of the receiver itself can also be reduced as a result of the simplicity of our new receiver. We will develop analytical models to describe theperformance of our receiver. We will characterize and optimize receiver experimental performance. We will develop and evaluate a laboratory prototype receiver. We will test this receiver under simulated in-process conditions.There is a broad need forlow cost sensors for many manufacturing applications. Laser ultrasonic inspection can be used to inspect hot and/or rapidly-moving parts and to scan large structural panels. System cost reduction will allow economic justification of laser ultrasonicinspection over a wider range of manufacturing applications.