Abstract: A detection system for detecting an optical signal from a luminescent material applied to or incorporated within an object (S) comprises: at least one light source (11) which generates light, as excitation light, for illuminating at least a region (IS) of the object (S); at least one detector (21) which detects light, as collection light, from the object (S) when illuminated by the excitation light and provides an output signal having a signal intensity in response to an intensity of the collection light; and a controller (31) which is adapted to control the output signal to have a signal intensity within a predetermined range or at substantially a constant value, or post-process the output signal to extract the output signal at a signal intensity within a predetermined range or at substantially a constant value.

Abstract: A component coated with a thermal barrier coating (TBC), wherein the TBC includes an outer surface layer and at least one underlying layer, wherein the outer surface layer has a thickness of not more than 50% of a thickness of the TBC, has a lower average porosity than the at least one underlying layer and includes an additional phase therewithin.

Abstract: A multi-functional material composition comprising a zirconia host and containing a luminescent lanthanide oxide additive, in particular dysprosia (Dy2O3), wherein the lanthanide oxide additive is effective both in stabilizing the zirconia and providing for luminescent temperature sensing, and a method of determining a remaining useful life-time for the luminescent material composition from the proportion of a monoclinic phase (m) in the material composition.

Abstract: A measurement system for and method of measuring thicknesses of coatings as applied to objects and a coating system and method for. coating objects, in particular three-dimensional objects, with coatings, in particular thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), and a monitoring system for and method of monitoring a state of a thermal barrier coating (TBC) as applied to an object which is exposed to a high-temperature environment, and a TBC for use with the same.

Abstract: Luminescent material compositions, in particular for use in high-temperature environments, and structures, such as thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), which incorporate the same.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining thermal history of components which are subjected to high-temperature environments, such as in boilers, fuel cells, furnaces, engines and gas turbines, and temperature-monitoring materials and coatings for use in such a system and method.

Abstract: An optical system (3) for transferring light energy from a light source (1), in particular a moving light source, to a common aperture independent of the location of the light source within a field of view, wherein the light energy distribution is preferably substantially uniform over the area of the common aperture. A detection system comprises a light source 1 for irradiating a spot on a moving object 0, an optical probe assembly 3 for collecting light energy from the irradiated spot on the subject 0 when within a field of view of the probe assembly 3, and a photodetector 4.

Abstract: A wear-sensing structure comprising a metallic object having a wear-sensing layer at a surface which is subject to wear, wherein the wear-sensing layer comprises a host metallic matrix having a luminescent ceramic phase dispersed therewithin, the ceramic phase comprising a ceramic host containing a luminescent material which luminesces when illuminated with an illuminating radiation, with wear of the object being determined by reference to luminescence from the luminescent material.

Abstract: A coating material (20) for coating a machine component (10), especially a gas turbine or a part thereof, comprises a mixture of at least a refractory material and an indicator material having an optical emission (e.g. fluorescence) spectrum which varies in response to a physical parameter of the coated component. In a preferred embodiment, the coating consists of yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) or yttrium stabilized zirconium. The dopant is preferably a rare earth metal, e.g. Eu, Tb, Dy.

Abstract: A multi-functional material composition comprising a zirconia host and containing a luminescent lanthanide oxide additive, in particular dysprosia (Dy2O3), wherein the lanthanide oxide additive is effective both in stabilizing the zirconia and providing for luminescent temperature sensing, and a method of determining a remaining useful life-time for the luminescent material composition from the proportion of a monoclinic phase (m) in the material composition.

Abstract: A component coated with a thermal barrier coating (TBC), wherein the TBC includes an outer surface layer and at least one underlying layer, wherein the outer surface layer has a thickness of not more than 50% of a thickness of the TBC, has a lower average porosity than the at least one underlying layer and includes an additional phase therewithin.

Abstract: A system for and method of determining thermal history of components which are subjected to high-temperature environments, such as in boilers, fuel cells, furnaces, engines and gas turbines, and temperature-monitoring materials and coatings for use in such a system and method.

Abstract: Luminescent material compositions, in particular for use in high-temperature environments, and structures, such as thermal barrier coatings (TBCs), which incorporate the same.

Abstract: A coating material (20) for coating a machine component (10), especially a gas turbine or a part thereof, comprises a mixture of at least a refractory material and an indicator material having an optical emission (e.g. fluorescence) spectrum which varies in response to a physical parameter of the coated component. In a preferred embodiment, the coating consists of yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG) or yttrium stabilized zirconium. The dopant is preferably a rare earth metal, e.g. Eu, Tb, Dy.