Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope comprises a structure including a loading portion and a scanning portion, a transducer disposed in the scanning portion and operable to develop ultrasonic energy, and a controller. A driver is responsive to the controller and is capable of moving the transducer along a scan path with respect to a first plurality of parts disposed in the scanning portion as a second plurality of parts are being loaded into the loading portion.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope includes a transducer mounted in a cup below a particular elevation capable of producing ultrasonic energy and a coupling fluid source disposed below the particular elevation, which is configured to introduce coupling fluid into the cup. Ultrasonic energy is directed upwardly through coupling fluid disposed between and contacting the transducer and a first surface of a part to be inspected. The part is disposed at the particular elevation such that a second surface of the part is not contacted by coupling fluid during testing.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope comprises a structure including a loading portion and a scanning portion, a transducer disposed in the scanning portion and operable to develop ultrasonic energy, and a controller. A driver is responsive to the controller and is capable of moving the transducer along a scan path with respect to a first plurality of parts disposed in the scanning portion as a second plurality of parts are being loaded into the loading portion.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope, includes an ultrasonic transducer, a data storage memory, a display, a scanner assembly, and a controller. The controller is adapted to cause the motor to move the transducer along a path with respect to a sample, and cause the ultrasonic transducer to emit a pulse of acoustic energy towards the sample at each point in a plurality of points along the path. In addition, the controller is adapted to cause the ultrasonic transducer to receive a set of reflection signals that correspond to each of the pulses emitted therefrom. The sets of reflection signals are used to generate an image of a profile of the sample and an image representative of acoustic impedance features in the interior of the sample. The image of the profile of the sample shows a variation in height across a surface of the sample.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope includes a transducer mounted in a cup below a particular elevation capable of producing ultrasonic energy and a coupling fluid source disposed below the particular elevation, which is configured to introduce coupling fluid into the cup. Ultrasonic energy is directed upwardly through coupling fluid disposed between and contacting the transducer and a first surface of a part to be inspected. The part is disposed at the particular elevation such that a second surface of the part is not contacted by coupling fluid during testing.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope includes a transducer mounted in a cup below a particular elevation and a coupling fluid source disposed below the particular elevation and which is adapted to introduce coupling fluid into the cup. A controller is operable to control the transducer and the coupling fluid source during testing such that ultrasonic energy can be directed upwardly through coupling fluid disposed between and contacting the transducer and a first surface of a part to be inspected. The part is disposed at the particular elevation and a second surface of the part is not contacted by coupling fluid during testing.

Abstract: A single channel scanning acoustic microscope that increases the throughput of the acoustic imaging system by connecting a multi-transducer assembly in parallel to a single channel electronic circuit. The single channel scanning acoustic microscope includes multiple transducers configured to generate a time delay for individual ultrasonic waves generated by each transducer, wherein a pulse generator simultaneously sends a pulse signal to the multi-transducer assembly.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope including an ultrasonic transducer and a balanced linear motor assembly is disclosed. The balanced linear motor assembly includes a counterweight that is mounted for movement along a linear path that is parallel to the first linear path on which the transducer travels. The counterweight has a mass that is generally equal to the mass of the rotor and the transducer. The counterweight is being adapted to be moved, when the scanning acoustic microscope is used to interrogate a sample, along the second linear path at the same time that the rotor and transducer are being moved along the first linear path to allow the transducer to accelerate and decelerate without creating vibration.

Abstract: Method and apparatus useful in the inspection of a target comprises scanning the target with a pulsed acoustic beam, sensing the pulsed beam after it has been modified by interaction with the target, producing a time-domain signal indicative of the modifications, processing the time-domain signal to produce a frequency domain representation of the modifications, and producing an image-wise display of the frequency domain representation of the modifications. In one execution disclosed, the frequency domain representation is altered and then reconverted to a time domain signal before display.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope, comprising an ultrasonic transducer, a motor assembly on which the ultrasonic transducer is mounted, a controller that is electrically connected to the transducer and the motor assembly, the controller being adapted to cause the rotor and transducer to be moved along a path in a predetermined sequence of movements with respect to a sample; and wherein the controller is adapted to cause the ultrasonic transducer to emit one or more pulses of acoustic energy and to generate profile measurements of the sample by processing signals from the transducer that are representative of pulses of acoustic energy that are reflected by the sample.

Abstract: An improved scanning station and method for a tray-fed scanning acoustic microscope has a vacuum system which at least assists in immobilizing loosely held parts in the trays during insonification by an ultrasonic beam generator.

Abstract: A scanning acoustic microscope including an ultrasonic transducer and a balanced linear motor assembly is disclosed. The balanced linear motor assembly includes a counterweight that is mounted for movement along a linear path that is parallel to the first linear path on which the transducer travels. The counterweight has a mass that is generally equal to the mass of the rotor and the transducer. The counterweight is being adapted to be moved, when the scanning acoustic microscope is used to interrogate a sample, along the second linear path at the same time that the rotor and transducer are being moved along the first linear path to allow the transducer to accelerate and decelerate without creating vibration.

Abstract: An improved scanning station and method for a tray-fed scanning acoustic microscope has a vacuum system which at least assists in immobilizing loosely held parts in the trays during insonification by an ultrasonic beam generator.

Abstract: For use in acoustic micro imaging, a method (and implementing apparatus) is disclosed for creating a 4D virtual sample data memory. The method comprises employing a pulsed ultrasonic microscope probe to interrogate a sample at three-dimensionally varied locations in the sample. Data developed by the microscope probe includes for each location interrogated a digitized A-scan for that location. The developed data is stored in a data memory.

Abstract: Method and implementing apparatus useful in acquiring data on acoustic features within a sample provides a pulsed acoustic probe and a stage system for effecting relative movement between the sample and the probe. The stage system is commanded such that the probe interrogates a non-rectangularly bounded space on the sample surface or within the volume of the sample. Acoustic energy reflected from or transmitted through the sample is sensed. Amplitude signals are developed from the sensed acoustic energy. Data characterizing the developed amplitude signals are stored for subsequent processing.

Abstract: For use in acoustic micro imaging, a method (and implementing apparatus) is disclosed for creating a 4D virtual sample data memory. The method comprises employing a pulsed ultrasonic microscope probe to interrogate a sample at three-dimensionally varied locations in the sample. Data developed by the microscope probe includes for each location interrogated a digitized A-scan for that location. The developed data is stored in a data memory.

Abstract: For use in acoustic micro imaging, a method (and implementing apparatus) is disclosed for creating a 4D virtual sample data memory. The method comprises employing a pulsed ultrasonic microscope probe to interrogate a sample at three-dimensionally varied locations in the sample. Data developed by the microscope probe includes for each location interrogated a digitized A-scan for that location. The developed data is stored in a data memory.

Abstract: Method and apparatus useful in the inspection of a target comprises scanning the target with a pulsed acoustic beam, sensing the pulsed beam after it has been modified by interaction with the target, producing a time-domain signal indicative of the modifications, processing the time-domain signal to produce a frequency domain representation of the modifications, and producing an image-wise display of the frequency domain representation of the modifications. In one execution disclosed, the frequency domain representation is altered and then reconverted to a time domain signal before display.

Abstract: A method for enhancing information derived from acoustically inspected samples comprises deriving an acoustic image of a sample, and generating a visual superposition of one or more additional images. The additional images are selected from the group consisting of an optical image, a second acoustic image in a different sized field of view form said acoustic image, an infrared image, an X-ray image, and an electron beam image.

Abstract: An automated acoustic micro imaging system includes a part-storage station favoring a dry environment, a part-transport robot, and a wet-environment inspection station. The wet-environment inspection station has an ultrasonic beam generator, a coupling fluid in which parts are inspected, and a part-retention stage. A moisture barrier is located between the wet-environment inspection station and the part-storage station favoring a dry environment. The inspection station includes a kinematic, quick-change part-retaining chuck and robotic means for interchanging chucks. Automatic acoustic micro imaging methods are disclosed.