Laser-Ultrasonics is a method for non-destructive testing of materials, similar to conventional ultrasound systems, but with significant advantages for specific applications. Both the generation and detection of ultrasound are conducted laser-based and thus completely contactless, which leads to following advantages:
⇒ No couplant needed
⇒ Automation possible
⇒ Distance to the object possible
⇒ Harsh industrial environment feasible
⇒ Difficult measuring positions possible
⇒ High ultrasound bandwidth
Usually, various kinds of ultrasonic waves are produced directly at the sample surface by short laser pulses in the ns-range. Those waves then spread out into the volume. Waves reflected and scattered by structures and defects can in turn be detected at different positions on the sample surface using a laser vibrometer.