Abstract: A method of ultrasonic testing comprising conditioning a radiation wave from a laser source by efficiently converting the radiation wave's wavelength to a mid-IR wavelength for enhanced ultrasonic testing of a composite. The method includes passing the radiation wave through a first optical frequency converter where the radiation wave is converted into a signal wave and an idler wave, where the idler wave is at a mid-IR wavelength. The method further includes directing the signal and idler waves to a second optical frequency converter where the signal wave wavelength is converted to a mid-IR wavelength which combines with the idler wave to form a generation wave. The generation wave is directed at a composite surface to be tested.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
May 15, 2008
Date of Patent:
October 26, 2010
Assignee:
Lockheed Martin Corporation
Inventors:
Thomas E. Drake, Jr., Peter W. Lorraine, John B. Deaton, Jr., Marc Dubois, Robert Filkins