Non-Destructive Testing Using Laser Generated Ultrasonic

Abstract

The noncontact ultrasonic generation and detection technique using lasers is called laser ultrasonics, which is employed for the nondestructive testing of engineering products. However, such nondestructive testing often requires customization to suit the user's specific object, making it important to understand the principle of laser ultrasonics. In particular, the authors have carried out advanced research studies on distinctive ultrasonic excitation techniques and proposed new nondestructive inspection methods. In this paper, the authous first explains the principle of laser-generated ultrasonic waves and methods for controlling them. It then introduces the authors' researches to date, the application to pipe inspection and the process monitoring in metal additive manufacturing.