LASER TESTING METHOD
1) INTRODUCTION
Laser testing methods are among the fastest-growing nondestructive optical methods;
they can be micro or macro in nature. Since they are also non-contacting, irregular
objects and non-planar surfaces can be inspected without the wear problems typically
associated with contact probes, or the cleaning problems associated with coated
surfaces. Full-field test areas are quite flexible, but they vary, depending on the
application, sensitivity, and range of the test equipment.
Full-field areas typically range from several square centimeters in micro-applications to
several square meters in macro-applications. The full-field area approach facilitates high
inspection rates and results in substantial timesaving, which hopefully more than offsets
any increases in method costs. Since there are no consumables, such as plastic probe
shoes, markers, dyes, and chemicals (in most cases), additional cost savings can be
realized.
Easy-to-view, real-time imaging systems are possible because of charge coupled device
(CCD) optical detectors for TV cameras. Laser testing methods are popular in the aircraft
and automotive industries.
2) LASER THEORY
The word laser is an acronym for light amplification of stimulated emission radiation. A
mathematical explanation of how laser light is produced and amplified is beyond the
scope of this book; however a simplified written explanation follows.
As the acronym implies, laser light is amplified by stimulated emission radiation. This
light is very intense, essentially monochromatic (single wavelength), plane polarized
(unidirectional), and very stable. Today there are literally hundreds of lasers with
emission frequencies covering the electromagnetic spectrum.
The classical helium-neon (He-Ne) laser consists of a crystal tube filled with He-Ne gas
lasing medium. Two reflective mirrors are at each end of the tube; one mirror is flat, the
other is semitransparent. Laser radiation is emitted through the semitransparent mirror.
When a high-voltage source is applied across the He-Ne tube, helium atoms are excited
by the electron flow. These newly excited helium atoms collide with neon atoms that in
turn decay to slightly lower energy levels and produce photons. Photon light is reflected
back and forth by the mirrors, which stimulates the emission of even more photons.
Some of the photons produced are absorbed by ground potential electrons, which in
turn become excited and produce more photons. Some spontaneous photon emission
also occurs. When the rate of photon emission exceeds the rate of photon absorption
due to population inversion, stimulated emission occurs and a coherent beam of light
forms with a fixed amount of light amplification.
The four processes involved in laser production are:
I. Stimulated emission
II. Pumping (excitation from an external source)
III. Spontaneous emission
IV. Absorption of photons
The last two processes are considered competitive processes because they do not
contribute to the overall gain of the system.
3) MAIN ADVANTAGES
Non-contacting measurement. In many cases, there are no surface
preparation or marking requirements.
Full-field view. Whether the measurement is macro- or microscopic, the full-
field view of the area of interest can be examined and measured.
No consumables. Unlike other NDT methods, no penetrants, marking
materials, or coatings are required.
Real-time measurement. With electro-optical sensors like CCD cameras,
real-time measurements are possible.
4) LIMITATIONS
Special safety considerations must be taken into account when using lasers.
Component loading is required to see results.
Results depend on lateral shearing vector component.
Interpretation of results is somewhat subjective.
Slight corrections are necessary for precise location of defects.
One limitation of little concern today is that laser technology cannot be used to measure
objects smaller than the wavelength of light or one micrometer (μm). In the Nano-bot
world of the future other NDT techniques will have to be developed.
5) APPLICATIONS
Determining the vibrational modes and characteristics of rotating objects such as
wheels, gears, and early disk drives.
Determining mechanical deformation in structural materials.
Determining the integrity of bonds and laminations in composite materials.
Determining mechanical stress-strain and thermal stress-strain relationships in a
multitude of materials.
The detection of cracks in steel channel bolt holes, ceramics at high
temperature, concrete, glass tubes and plates, railroad wheels, pressure vessels,
welded steel plates, and honeycomb panels. Improved laser systems are used for
many of these same applications today.