Abstract: In a method for obtaining near-surface characteristics of a material, a series of single frequency ultrasonic Rayleigh waves are generated, with a generating system, in the material. The Rayleigh waves are detected with a detection system remote from the generating system. Velocities of the detected Rayleigh waves are determined at the selected frequencies. A depth profile of one or more characteristics of the material is prepared based on the determined Rayleigh wave velocities.

Abstract: In a method for obtaining near-surface characteristics of a material, a series of single frequency ultrasonic Rayleigh waves are generated, with a generating system, in the material. The Rayleigh waves are detected with a detection system remote from the generating system. Velocities of the detected Rayleigh waves are determined at the selected frequencies. A depth profile of one or more characteristics of the material is prepared based on the determined Rayleigh wave velocities.

Abstract: In a method for obtaining near-surface characteristics of a material, a broadband ultrasonic Rayleigh wave including a plurality of components is generated, with a generating system, in the material. The Rayleigh wave is detected with a detection system remote from the generating station. The detected Rayleigh wave is filtered to obtain selected ones of the plurality of components of the detected Rayleigh wave at selected frequencies. Velocities of the selected components of the detected Rayleigh wave are determined at the selected frequencies. A system for obtaining near-surface characteristics of a material is also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a nondestructive inspection method and apparatus for determining fiber characteristics such as elasticity, diameter, and chemical composition, and the thickness and quality of fiber coatings via laser-generated ultrasound for velocity and attenuation measurements.