Abstract: A cassette of tympanic thermometer probe covers includes a frame and probe covers releasably attached to the frame. The probe covers can be individually attached over a probe of a tympanic thermometer to protect the probe from contamination. The probe covers are constructed to releasably secure themselves to the probe. The force required to secure the probe covers to the frame is less that the force which is required to detach the probe covers from the frame so that the probe cover is held by the frame while being attached to the thermometer probe. The probe cover is connected to the frame by frangible connections that are arranged to inhibit pivoting of the probe cover when being attached to the thermometer probe. A method of securing a probe cover to a probe of a tympanic thermometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A thermal inspection method is provided for a component comprising at least one complex internal passage arrangement defining at least one opening. The thermal inspection method includes flowing a fluid through the at least one complex internal passage arrangement. The fluid has an initial temperature that differs from an initial temperature of the component. The thermal inspection method further includes measuring a thermal response of the component to the fluid flow and analyzing the thermal response to determine a number of heat transfer coefficients {hlmn} corresponding to respective locations {l,m,n} within the complex internal passage arrangement. The thermal inspection method further includes using the heat transfer coefficients {hlmn} to determine at least one of (a) a flow rate through respective ones of the at least one opening, and (b) a cross-sectional area for respective ones of the at least one opening.

Abstract: A pyrometer that is adapted for detecting radiation in the range of 250 to 450 nm is disclosed. The pyrometer can be used for determining the temperature of a matter thermally emitting only ultraviolet-radiation. In particular, the pyrometer can include: a detector having an active area adapted for measuring thermal radiation, a longpass filter having a cut-off wavelength in the range of 400 to 450 nm, means adapted for alternately activating and deactivating the longpass filter, means adapted for measuring a first thermal radiation signal when the longpass filter is deactivated and adapted for measuring a second thermal radiation signal when the longpass filter is activated, and means adapted for determining a temperature corresponding to the measured thermal radiation from a difference of the first radiation signal and the second radiation signal.

Abstract: A radiometer the calibration of collimated pulsed laser sources. In one embodiment the laser sources have wavelengths of 1064 nm and 1540-1570 nm wavelengths at irradiance levels of 7×10?5 to 5×1010 Watts/cm2, with pulse widths of 5-400 ns. A lens system used to focus beams from the laser sources includes two piano convex lenses and one aspheric lens, all with 1.5 micron and 1.06 micron anti-reflection coatings. An InGaAs avalanche photodiode (APD) detector and a linear amplifier generate an output voltage which represents the pulse and power of the input laser. The output voltage is captured on a fast oscilloscope and converted to irradiance through NIST calibration factors. The detector is kept at a constant predetermined temperature with a heater ring and feedback circuit. The detector is mounted on a translation stage for placing the detector at the proper position for the 1064 nm and 1540-1570 nm wavelengths.

Abstract: A pressure thermistor has a retention part, a film retained on the lower surface of the retention part in such a way that both surfaces of the film are exposed, and a thermosensitive device attached to the film. One surface of the film is rough and faces a pressure roller. The one surface of the film is increased in surface area due to rough surface. Thus, reflection of heat from the pressure roller is suppressed on the one surface of the film. Also, it becomes possible to improve the absorptivity of heat on the one surface of the film.

Abstract: A patch may be adapted for placement proximate to a surface region of a mammal. The patch may include an infrared target for receiving thermal energy from the surface region and for emitting infrared radiation according to a substantially known emissivity property. When the target is placed proximate to the surface region, the characteristics of infrared radiation emitted by the target substantially correspond to the temperature of the surface region. The patch may have means for selectively maintaining the target in a position proximate to a surface region of a mammal. The patch may include indicia uniquely associated with the patch.

Abstract: A position sensitive pyrometer includes a sensor.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring a parameter of a molten metal bath by an optical fiber surrounded by a cover. The optical fiber is immersed in the molten bath, and the radiation absorbed by the optical fiber in the molten bath is fed to a detector, wherein the optical fiber is heated when immersed in the molten bath. The heating curve of the optical fiber has at least one point P(t0, T0), wherein the increase ?T1 in the temperature T of the optical fiber over the time ?t in a first time interval t0??t up to the temperature T0 is smaller than the increase ?T2 in the temperature of the optical fiber over the time ?t in an immediately following second time interval t0+?t.

Abstract: A thermopile, utilizing the Seebeck effect, is placed into a blackbody cavity or other ambient heat source, where the hot junctions are inside the heat source, and the cold junctions are outside the heat source, and thereby produces a voltage.

Abstract: A method of measuring the temperature of a sheet material in which the sheet material is arranged such that it forms at least one side of a cavity so as to enhance the effective emissivity of the sheet material in the vicinity of the cavity.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for remotely detecting the temperature of a subject having an identifying feature and a target zone in a fixed relationship to the identifying feature comprising: a distance sensor which measures the distance between the subject and the distance sensor; a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature difference in a sensing zone; a digital image capture device for capturing a digital image of the subject; a means of tilting at least the temperature sensor along at least one axis, and preferably tilting and panning along two axes; a controller that actuates the tilting means; and a support for supporting the distance sensor, the temperature sensor and the digital image capture device; wherein the controller tilts the distance sensor using the tilting means to reduce the distance between the target zone and the sensing zone; and a temperature sensor that measures a temperature difference proximate to the target zone, to detect elevated temperature illness in humans or animals.

Abstract: A patch having an infrared (IR) target is placed proximate to the surface of a mammal. The patch may include an insulator for protecting the target from exterior, ambient IR and may include bar codes or other indicia uniquely associated with either the patch or the mammal. The patch may also include a bio-reactive agent for indicating characteristics such as the pH of the mammal's skin. The patch may also include a thermometer for sensing the level of IR radiation from the IR target and may include a display of the temperature associated with such a level. The patch may also include a transmitter for wirelessly communicating information about such level to a remote location. A method of using the patch is also disclosed.

Abstract: An infrared thermometer includes a probe and an infrared sensor. The probe with an infrared target absorbs thermal radiation to provide a substantially consistent source of infrared radiation and an aperture for preventing contamination of the infrared target while permitting the transmission of thermal radiation to the target. The infrared sensor is configured for sensing infrared radiation from the infrared target. The infrared target is positioned within the probe such that it absorbs thermal radiation that comes from the aperture and thereafter emits thermal radiation to the infrared sensor.

Abstract: A tympanic thermometer includes a thermally conductive nozzle extending from a distal end of the thermometer. A base of a sensor can is thermally connected to the nozzle to define a path of conductive heat transfer from the nozzle to the base of the can thereby minimizing a thermal gradient between proximal and distal ends of the sensor can when temperature is measured in the ear. An air space around the sensor can inhibits heat transfer except at the base of the sensor can.

Abstract: The invention is an optical method and apparatus for measuring the temperature of semiconductor substrates in real-time, during thin film growth and wafer processing. Utilizing the nearly linear dependence of the interband optical absorption edge on temperature, the present method and apparatus result in highly accurate measurement of the absorption edge in diffuse reflectance and transmission geometry, in real time, with sufficient accuracy and sensitivity to enable closed loop temperature control of wafers during film growth and processing. The apparatus operates across a wide range of temperatures covering all of the required range for common semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed that determines the emissivity and temperature of a target object. A compact emitter capable of sequentially emitting blackbody-like radiation at two different temperatures is used to determine the target object's emissivity and temperature.

Abstract: An IR tip assembly includes a shroud having at least one feature that permits releasable attachment of a disposable cover fitted to a shroud. When the disposable cover is fitted to the shroud, at least one air gap is defined between the shroud and the disposable cover. An IR sensor disposed within the IR tip assembly is mechanically and thermally coupled to a heat sink. The at least one defined air gap creates a thermal isolation between the disposable cover and the disposed IR sensor. There can also be airflow through the at least one air gap. Apparatus and methods to create the airflow are described.

Abstract: An infrared inspection and reporting process and system obtains inspection data on site via a portable computer. An actual temperature of a component derived from an infrared image and a temperature delta between the temperature of the component and the maximum temperature for the component is calculated to determine if there is a problem. A criticality level is assigned for each problem component from a plurality of criticality levels each having a predetermined range for the temperature delta. The criticality level provides an accurate and consistent assessment of component conditions. The inspection data is up linked to a home server from the portable computer and is made available to the customer via an interactive, on-line web application. The customer can interact with the inspection dating including an interactive prediction of energy savings if the problem component is repaired.

Abstract: A thermal detecting device for sensing temperature at multiple locations proximate to the detecting device is provided. The detecting device has a pair of infrared detectors each configured to measure temperature of two locations by receiving infrared energy of the two locations. A housing encloses the pair of infrared detectors. The housing is configured with an aperture to allow the infrared energy of the two locations to be received by the pair of infrared detectors. A reflective mirror or two mirrors focus the infrared energy of the two locations towards the pair of infrared detectors. The detecting device may be configured to determine if there is a temperature differential at a location as the housing moves with respect to the location.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for generating light-dependent and temperature-dependent signals has a number of first and second sensor elements, which generate a number of first and second electrical signals. The first and second electrical signals depend on electromagnetic radiation impinging on the circuit arrangement. The first sensor elements are designed to generate the first electrical signals in a manner dependent on electromagnetic radiation from a first wavelength range which comprises a substantial part of the visible light. The second sensor elements are designed to generate the second electrical signals in a manner dependent on electromagnetic radiation from a second wavelength range which predominantly comprises infrared radiation. The first wavelength range overlaps the second wavelength range and it therefore also comprises infrared radiation.

Abstract: A tip assembly for an IR thermometer apparatus includes a heat sink having a heat sink cavity and a tip section and a fluid path and at least one hydraulic port. The tip assembly also includes an IR sensor mechanically seated in the tip section and thermally coupled to the heat sink. The tip assembly also includes an electrical connector configured to provide an electrical connection to the tip assembly. A fluid having a fluid temperature is introduced into the fluid path via the hydraulic port. The fluid causes the heat sink and the IR sensor to substantially reach one or more pre-determined temperatures by thermal conduction during calibration of the tip assembly. Another tip assembly having an internal heat source is described. Another tip assembly having an internal heat pump is described. A method to calibrate a tip assembly is also described.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for precise substrate cool down control are provided. Apparatus for measuring temperature of substrates may include a cool down plate to support a substrate; a sensor to provide data corresponding to a temperature of the substrate when disposed on the cool down plate; and a computer coupled to the sensor to determine the temperature of the substrate from the sensor data. A method for measuring the temperature of a substrate may include providing a substrate to be cooled to a chamber having a cool down plate disposed therein, a sensor to provide data corresponding to a temperature of the substrate, and a computer coupled to the sensor; sensing a first temperature of the substrate after a predetermined first time interval has elapsed; comparing the first temperature to a predetermined temperature; and determining whether the first temperature is greater than, equal to, or less than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed in this specification is an infrared thermometer with multiple probes for use at a variety of bodily sites. The thermometer automatically detects which of the multiple probes is currently attached, loads a predetermined program from memory that corresponds to the current probe, and thereafter obtains a temperature measurement from a patient using infrared radiation emitted therefrom. Each of the probes is comprised of an infrared target which provides a substantially consistent sources of infrared radiation for the thermometer to measure.

Abstract: A radiation power detector includes a thermal membrane that produces a voltage responsive to temperature differences. A radiation absorber is thermally coupled to the thermal membrane, and an indicator is coupled to the thermal membrane responsive to the temperature differences. The indicator is powered by voltage produced by the thermal membrane and signals the amount of radiation power to which the absorbing material is exposed.

Abstract: This invention provides a non-contact temperature-measuring device including a distance sensor unit, an alarm unit, a temperature sensor unit, a microprocessor unit and a display unit. The distance sensor unit measures the distance between the device and a target. The alarm unit gives an alarm when the distance sensor unit measures a predetermined distance value. The temperature sensor unit measures a temperature of the target after the alarm unit gives the alarm. The microprocessor unit stores data of the predetermined distance value and the temperature value measured by the temperature sensor unit; the microprocessor unit also processes a distance signal emitted by the distance sensor unit and a temperature signal emitted by the temperature sensor unit. When the target's distance value equals the predetermined distance value, the microprocessor unit will further send a command for the alarm unit to give an alarm.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided to determine the emissivity, temperature and area of an object. The methods and apparatus are designed such that the emissivity and area of the object may be separately determined as functions dependent upon the temperature of the object derived from a three or more band infrared measurement sensor. As such, the methods and apparatus may only require a regression analysis of the temperature of the object without any regression analysis of the emissivity and area of the object.

Abstract: A low temperature radiometer includes a main body, a main cavity, an exit cavity, a suspended thermometer, and an attached thermometer. The main cavity is disposed within the main body and is defined through an off-axis parabolic concentrating cone formed of the inner walls of the main body. The exit cavity is disposed within the main body and is defined through a cylindrical inner surface of the main body. The suspended thermometer is suspended within the exit cavity and is disposed to be in communication with radiation entering the main cavity and being diverted to the exit cavity. The attached thermometer is attached to the outer surface of the main body and is in thermal communication and contact with the main body.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating temperature measurement devices, such as pyrometers, in thermal processing chambers are disclosed. According to the present invention, the system includes a calibrating light source that emits light energy onto a substrate contained in the thermal processing chamber. A light detector then detects the amount of light that is being transmitted through the substrate. The amount of detected light energy is then used to calibrate a temperature measurement device that is used in the system.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a thermal anomaly in humans and/or livestock. In one embodiment, the system includes an image capturing component that captures a visual image of incident light in a screening area, the image capturing component further operable to determine a first coordinate in the captured image, such as the location of a person's eyes. The system further includes a radiation capturing component operable to capture a thermal image of incident radiation in the screening area, the radiation capturing component further operable to determine an analysis area in the captured thermal image based upon the first coordinate in the captured light image. Finally, the system includes a processing component for determining thermal characteristics about the analysis area. As a result, if the thermal characteristics correspond to an alarm event, then an alarm may be triggered and the person or animal may be isolated for further health screening.

Abstract: A thermopile-based thermal detector is provided by a thermocouple, formed from a single sheet of material, which is made dissimilar with a P-doped and an N-doped junction electrically isolated via a naturally forming depletion region. The thermopile P-N sheet is uniform and planar, addressing stress and manufacturing issues. The usual non-active area of a conventional thermopile is significantly reduced or eliminated, and thus the output signal per unit diaphragm area of the detector is substantially increased, without the typical reduction in the signal-to-noise ratio. Also, a significant reduction in size of the thermal detector area is provided without a reduction in signal or signal-to-noise ratio. In an aspect, a second layer of thermocouples is axially positioned over, and connected with, a first layer of thermocouples. Additional axially stacked thermopiles can be provided within the same fabrication process. Signal processing circuitry may be electrically interconnected with the thermocouple.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for visibly outlining the energy zone to be measured by a radiometer. The method comprises the steps of providing a laser sighting device on the radiometer adapted to emit more than two laser beams against a surface whose temperature is to be measured and positioning said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The apparatus comprises a laser sighting device adapted to emit more than two laser beams against the surface and means to position said laser beams about the energy zone to outline said energy zone. The laser beams may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. The laser beams may be rotated about the periphery of the energy zone. In another embodiment, a pair of laser beams are projected on opposite sides of the energy zone. The laser beams may be further pulsed on and off in a synchronized manner so as to cause a series of intermittent lines to outline the energy zone.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for remotely measuring temperature of a specular surface. Method takes two measurements of P-polarized radiation emitted at or near Brewster angle from the surface. First measurement (SA) collects and detects first amount of radiation emitted directly from a surface portion using a collection optical system. Second measurement (SB) includes first amount of radiation and adds quantity of radiation collected at or near at/near Brewster angle and reflected from the surface with a retro optical system with a round-trip transmission t2 that retro-reflects a quantity of radiation received from surface portion back to same surface portion where it reflects and combines with first amount of radiation collected by collection optical system. Measurements SA and SB and t2 are used to determine surface emissivity (?). Calibration curve is used that relates ratio of the first measurement SA to surface emissivity (SA/?), to surface temperature.

Abstract: A method of coupling a silica fiber and a sapphire fiber includes providing a silica fiber having a doped core and a cladding layer, with the doped core having a prescribed diameter, providing a sapphire fiber having a diameter less than the doped core, placing an end of the sapphire fiber in close proximity to an end of the silica fiber, applying a heat source to the end of silica fiber and introducing the end of sapphire fiber into the heated doped core of the silica fiber to produce a coupling between the silica and sapphire fibers.

Abstract: An object is to realize an ear thermometer that is configured to easily arrange a sensor in a sensor mirror and is suitable for mass production. The ear thermometer has a probe. The probe includes a probe body and a temperature measuring part joined with the probe body. The temperature measuring part includes a flange coupled with the probe body and a front end part extending from the flange, the front end part incorporating a sensor mirror.

Abstract: Temperature measurement using a pyrometer in a processing chamber is described. The extraneous light received by the pyrometer is reduced. In one example, a photodetector is used to measure the intensity of light within the processing chamber at a defined wavelength. A temperature circuit is used to convert the measured light intensity to a temperature signal, and a doped optical window between a heat source and a workpiece inside processing chamber is used to absorb light at the defined wavelength directed at the workpiece from the heat source.

Abstract: Temperature measurement instruments and methods are provided for visually identifying a selected area of a target with a light beam. After imaging infrared radiation from a measurement area on a target, a selected area satisfying a temperature criterion is determined. An actuator system moves a light beam relative to the instrument and measurement area to visually identify the selected area. In some embodiments the actuator system may repeatedly move the light beam to visually identify the selected area of the target as the instrument is moved and the selected area's position changes within the measurement area.

Abstract: A thermal analysis equipment includes a thermal analysis data preservation function that preserves, as thermal analysis data, signals from a temperature sensor and a physical quantity sensor that detect a temperature and a change in physical quantity, respectively, of a sample. An electromagnetic-wave data acquisition control function controls acquisition of electromagnetic wave data in accordance with setting of a trigger to acquire the electromagnetic wave data. An electromagnetic-wave data preservation function preserves the electromagnetic wave data. An electromagnetic-wave data correlation function correlates the preserved electromagnetic wave data to a position on the thermal analysis data when the trigger is set.

Abstract: An optical fiber temperature sensing device has a sensor body; a light source housed in the sensor body; a temperature measuring optical fiber disposed outside the sensor body and extended to a temperature measurement site, wherein, when a light is emitted from the light source into the temperature measuring optical fiber, Stokes light intensity and anti-Stokes light intensity of backscattered light generated in the temperature measuring optical fiber are detected to determine a temperature at the temperature measurement site; a reference temperature optical fiber disposed inside the sensor body; and a controller that is operable to control an output of the light source by monitoring Stokes light intensity and anti-Stokes light intensity of backscattered light generated in the reference temperature optical fiber.

Abstract: In a thermoelectric device, a thermoelectric element has one surface on a low temperature side and the other surface on a high temperature side. A member is attached to at least one of the low- and high-temperature-side surfaces of the thermoelectric element. A temperature detection element is provided between the member and the surface of the thermoelectric element to which the member is attached. A mirror surface state detection device is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a hydrocarbon vapor reforming reaction using a combustion chamber containing burners and tubes, said tubes being filled with catalysts and capable of being crossed by a mixture of hydrocarbons and vapor, the burners being arranged so as to transfer their combustion heat to the mixture of hydrocarbons and vapor through the walls of the tubes, wherein the temperature T of the wall of each tube is measured in the downstream part of the tube, and if for at least one tube, the measured temperature is higher or equal to the MOT (DTT?15° C.), DTT being the design temperature of the measured tube, the functional parameters of the reforming method are then modified so as to decrease the measured temperature T of this tube down to a value lower than the MOT.

Abstract: The object is to provide a laser processing apparatus, a laser processing temperature measuring apparatus, a laser processing method, and a laser processing temperature measuring method which can highly accurately detect the processing temperature when carrying out processing such as welding with laser light. A laser processing apparatus 1A for processing members DR, UR to be processed by irradiating the members with laser light LB comprises a laser (semiconductor laser unit 20A) for generating the laser light LB; optical means for converging the laser light LB generated by the laser onto processing areas DA, UA; and a filter 30, disposed between the members DR, UR to be processed and the optical means, for blocking a wavelength of fluorescence generated by the optical means upon pumping with the laser light LB; wherein light having the wavelength blocked by the filter 30 is used for measuring a temperature of the processing areas DA, UA.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a thermometer is provided. The method includes deriving values of at least two different reference calibration coefficients of a reference calibration equation. The reference calibration equation relates temperature of a reference temperature sensor to at least two different calibration coefficients and a measured characteristic of the reference temperature sensor. A primary temperature sensor of the thermometer is calibrated using the derived values of the at least two different reference calibration coefficients. In another method for calibrating a thermometer, value of at least one reference calibration coefficient is derived from a reference calibration equation. The reference calibration equation is a non-linear equation relating the temperature of the reference temperature sensor to the at least one calibration coefficient and a measured characteristic of the reference temperature sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide a non-intrusive thermal (NIT) monitor for sensing temperatures useful for semiconductor manufacturing applications. In some embodiments, a NIT monitor comprises a thermopile, a fluid housing with a fluid window, and an elongated member positioned between the thermopile and the fluid window for transmitting or reflecting infrared signals corresponding to a temperature of a fluid in the fluid housing. The fluid housing may have a cross-sectional profile to enable the manipulation of the fluid flow under the fluid window, enhancing the speed and accuracy of the temperature sampling. The elongated member, which may be hollow and coated with gold, may an extended piece of the fluid housing or a part of an optics housing. In some embodiments, the NIT monitor is connected to a main conditioning circuit board via a cable for processing the temperature measurements at a remote location.

Abstract: A substrate processing system includes a processing chamber, a pedestal for supporting a substrate disposed within the processing chamber, and an optical pyrometry assembly coupled to the processing chamber to measure an emitted light originating substantially from a portion of the pedestal or substrate. The optical pyrometry assembly further includes a light receiver, and an optical detector. The optical pyrometry assembly receives a portion of the emitted light, and a temperature of the substrate is determined from an intensity of the portion of the emitted light near at least one wavelength.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing the resolution of a linear array of fiber Bragg gratings by applying a plastic coating having a high CTE over the optical fiber. Apparatus and method for determining the temperature of each of a succession of points along a tissue portion during hyperthermia treatment includes an optical fiber with a succession of closely spaced fiber Bragg gratings. Each grating is responsive to a different wavelength and is sensitive to ambient temperature to change that wavelength as a function of temperature. A tunable laser operative continuously over a range of wavelengths including those to which the gratings respond is used to interrogate the gratings. Sensitivity-enhancing coatings are used on the fibers and the lasers are tuned over very short time cycles.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus to monitor hardness using laser infrared photothermal radiometry. The emphasis is on the ability of this invention to monitor in a non-contact and non-destructive manner the hardness case depth of industrially heat treated steels. The present invention provides a method and apparatus comprising signal generation and analysis as well as instrumental hardware configurations based on the physical principle of photothermal radiometry. The method comprises (a) irradiating the sample surface with an excitation source of suitable emission wavelength and intensity. (b) producing periodic frequency pulses of the laser beam by means of a modulator in the appropriate frequency range (but not confined to) 0.1-100000 Hz.

Abstract: A process for using a hand-held infrared inspection system incorporating on-board training, on-board validation, on-board operator certification, on-board reporting information, or on-board survey instructions. Improved methods for automating area surveys are provided through exception-driven surveillance practices. Imbedded information enables less experienced operators to use more sophisticated devices more effectively. Validation or certification assures operator knowledge or ability. Multilevel classification of anomalies aids in automated analysis and report generation.

Abstract: A method for processing thermographic data is disclosed including thermally disturbing a sample collecting, as a function of time, thermal data from said sample, converting the collected data using a 2nd derivative function, and transforming the converted data using at least one Boolean operation.

Abstract: A graphical user interface for configuring parameters associated with a portable infrared imager is provided. The interface can be used to manually or automatically set range and span parameters. The interface can also be used to configure one or more alarms to notify a user that a detected temperature is outside a predetermined range. In some embodiments, a non-linear temperature scale can be displayed.

Abstract: A method of remotely monitoring the radiant energy (6) emitted from a turbine component such as a turbine blade (1) having a low-reflective surface coating (3) which may be undergoing potential degradation is used to determine whether erosion, spallation, delamination, or the like, of the coating (3) is occurring.