Abstract: A magnetic symbology reader has a housing containing a polarized light source which directs light through a magneto-optic sensor onto a reflector which reflects light back through the magneto-optic sensor and then through at least one analyzer and into at least one camera. A view finder allows the user to monitor the image on the magneto-optic sensor as seen by a viewfinder camera while a processor is coupled to possibly a second camera so that when an image is detected, the image from the camera may be processed by the processor to output information associated with the symbol to an external source. The analyzer and polarized light source provide contrast in the images detected by the sensor. A bias/erase coil located about the magneto-optic sensor can enhance or erase images on the sensor.

Abstract: A device for the direct visualization of surface and near surface cracks, voids, flows, discontinuities, etc. in a target material. A magnetic garnet epitaxial film is deposited on either side, or both sides, of a non-magnetic substrate. A reflective material is provided adjacent to the epitaxial film, and the substrate with its associated layers is placed over a sheet of current carrying material and this sheet is placed over the target material. A bias magnetic field is then applied to the substrate together with its epitaxial film. Polarized light is transmitted onto the substrate with its associated layers and is reflected through the epitaxial layer and back out of the substrate. The existing magnetization, within the epitaxial film, interacts with nearby magnetic fields associated with eddy currents flowing adjacent to flaws in the target material, such that the domain structure of the epitaxial film is altered.

Abstract: A method for the direct visualization of surface and near surface cracks, voids, flaws, discontinuities, etc. in a material is disclosed. The detection of flaws or the like is accomplished by the visualization of the static and/or dynamic magnetic fields, either ambient or induced, associated with various flaws in a target material. A magnetic garnet epitaxial film is deposited on either side of a non-magnetic substrate. In one embodiment, a reflective coating or material is provided adjacent to the epitaxial film, and the substrate with its associated layers is placed over the target material. A magnetic field is then applied to the target material and substrate. Polarized light is transmitted onto the target material and is reflected through the epitaxial layer and back out of the substrate. The existing magnetization within the epitaxial film interacts with nearby magnetic fields associated with near surface flaws in the target material, such that the domain structure of the epitaxial film is altered.

Abstract: A method for the direct visualization of surface and near surface cracks, voids, flaws, discontinuities, etc. in materials is disclosed. The detection of flaws or the like is accomplished by the visualization of the static and/or dynamic magnetic fields, either ambient or induced, associated with various flaws in a target material. A magnetic garnet epitaxial film is deposited on a non-magnetic substrate. In one embodiment, a reflective coating or material is provided adjacent to the epitaxial film, and the substrate with its associated layers is placed over the target material. A magnetic field is then applied to the target material and substrate. Polarized light is directed onto the through the substrate and associated epitaxial layer, and is reflected by the reflective coating such that the polarized light passes back out of the substrate.