On January 16th, 2026, our colleague Georg Watzl successfully defended his dissertation entitled “Discrete Laser-Ultrasonic Spectroscopy using Guided Waves”.
The dissertation focuses on novel laser‑ultrasonic methods for non‑destructive material testing. Instead of performing full, time‑consuming dispersion scans, the approach targets specific characteristic points of guided‑wave dispersion: ZGV and thickness resonances, as well as surface waves with defined wavenumbers. This enables fast, contact‑free, and reliable determination of elastic properties and layer or plate thicknesses – even at high temperatures and under industrial conditions.
The results demonstrate potential for automated measurements and future single‑shot applications in industrial environments.
A highlight was the participation of Claire Prada, a leading expert in guided elastic waves and laser ultrasonics, who traveled from Paris especially for this event. We'd like to thank all members of the examination committee for their valuable scientific guidance.
Group photo (from left to right): Supervisor & reviewer Prof. Dr. Martin Schagerl, Reviewer Claire Prada (Directrice de recherche (CNRS)), Doctoral candidate Georg Watzl, Examiner Prof. Dr. Johannes Pedarnig and Chair Prof. Dr. Bernhard Sonderegger.
Congratulation to this outstanding scientific work!
