Abstract: A phonon parametric oscillator is provided. The phonon parametric oscillator comprises a laser for periodically emitting brief optical pulses (IL), an assembly for generating acoustic pulses (IA) and a medium for coupling the acoustic pulses to an object (O), the assembly for generating acoustic pulses comprising an entrance face, an exit face, a conversion medium for converting the brief optical pulses into acoustic pulses and a propagation medium for propagating said acoustic pulses, the entrance and exit faces being reflective to the acoustic pulses, the propagation medium having a defined thickness, the exit face making contact with the coupling medium. In the phonon parametric oscillator according to the invention, the round-trip time of an acoustic pulse due to reflection from the entrance and exit faces, is equal to the emission period (?) of the laser, so that the reflected acoustic pulse is in phase with the following acoustic pulse.

Abstract: One illustrative integrated electromagnetic-acoustic sensor includes: a ground plane; a patch antenna above the ground plane to send or receive an electromagnetic (EM) signal having an EM signal frequency; and an array of capacitive micromachined acoustic transducers formed by cavities between the patch antenna and a base electrode to send or receive an acoustic signal having an acoustic signal frequency. One illustrative sensing method includes: driving or sensing a EM signal between a ground plane and a patch antenna; and driving or sensing an acoustic signal between the patch antenna and a base electrode, the base electrode and the patch antenna having an array of capacitive micromachined acoustic transducer cavities therebetween.

Abstract: A thermoacoustic measurement probe includes an open-ended hollow radio-frequency (RF) waveguide; at least two RF feeds positioned within the open-ended hollow RF waveguide, wherein each RF feed is configured to provide RF energy; and a thermoacoustic transducer, wherein the open-ended hollow RF waveguide, in the form of a sleeve, surrounds and is mechanically joined to the thermoacoustic transducer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting corrosion in pipes are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus for detecting corrosion in an object includes an electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) having a ferromagnetic core and a plurality of permanent magnets arranged peripherally around the ferromagnetic core. The permanent magnets are arranged to produce a magnetic field through the ferromagnetic core. The apparatus also includes a coil between the ferromagnetic core and the object.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems, methods and structures providing detection and localization of disaster-related indoor events via hybrid ethernet/optical fiber cable.

Abstract: A method of identifying events within a wellbore comprises obtaining a first set of measurements of a first signal within a wellbore, identifying one or more events within the wellbore using the first set of measurements, obtaining a second set of measurements of a second signal within the wellbore, wherein the first signal and the second signal represent different physical measurements, training one or more event models using the second set of measurements and the identification of the one or more events as inputs, and using the one or more event models to identify at least one additional event within the wellbore.

Abstract: A measurement device and a measurement method capable of measuring a depth of a damage source in a structure having a thickness of a predetermined value or more. According to an embodiment, a measurement device includes a first detector and a signal processing device. The first detector selectively detects surface waves that are excited when first elastic waves generated inside a structure formed of a solid material have reached a surface of the structure. The information processing device obtains information about a depth of a source of the first elastic waves within the structure on the basis of information of at least one of an amplitude and a time of arrival of the surface waves detected by the first detector.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor includes a sensor package and a membrane arranged in the sensor package, wherein a first partial volume of the sensor package adjoins a first main side of the membrane and a second partial volume of the sensor package adjoins a second main side of the membrane, wherein the second main side is arranged opposite the first main side. The MEMS sensor includes a first opening in the sensor package, said first opening connecting the first partial volume to an external environment of the sensor package in an acoustically transparent fashion. The MEMS sensor includes a second opening in the sensor package, said second opening connecting the second partial volume to the external environment of the sensor package in an acoustically transparent fashion.

Abstract: A photoacoustic apparatus may include: a ring transducer configured to measure a photoacoustic signal generated from an object, and including a hollow space that is provided as a travel path of light and ultrasonic waves; a mirror part disposed along a light path of the light transmitted from the ring transducer, and configured to reflect the light transmitted from the ring transducer, and the ultrasonic waves generated from the object, and to adjust magnification of the mirror part according to a number of apertures of the photoacoustic apparatus; and a fluid tank including a transparent film that allows the photoacoustic signal to pass through the fluid tank, and accommodating a fluid, the ring transducer, and the mirror part inside the fluid tank.

Abstract: An apparatus for optical detection of ultrasound includes one or more optical resonators (OR—200), one or more optical passive-demodulation interferometers (OPDI—22), and one or more respective electro-optical readout circuits (EORC—24). The one or more optical resonators (OR) are configured to modulate respective carrier frequencies of optical signals indicative of US waves impinging thereon. The one or more OPDI are implemented in one or more photonic integrated circuits (PIC), wherein each OPDI is configured to demodulate the optical signal output by the respective OR, so as to generate a respective intensity-modulated optical signal. Each OPDI includes an interferometer (32) having imbalanced arms (323, 325) that are recombined using an optical hybrid (34). The one or more respective EORC are each configured to measure the intensity demodulated optical signal produced by the respective OPDI, and to output a respective electrical signal.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive testing of walls of components, at least one ultrasonic transducer (1) which is fixed to a surface of the wall is used to emit horizontally polarized transverse waves (3) in a lateral propagation direction and compression waves or vertically polarized transverse waves (6) in a radial propagation direction. The at least one ultrasonic transducer (1) and/or at least one further ultrasonic transducer arranged at a known distance from the at least one ultrasonic transducer (1) on the respective wall of the component (2) is/are used to detect horizontally polarized transverse waves (4) reflected by defects and compression waves or vertically polarized transverse waves (7) after or while running the non-destructive testing of the wall in order to determine the respective wall thickness.

Abstract: A point calculation device includes a point granting information acquisition unit configured to acquire a point granting start time and a point granting end time for use points relating to a vehicle; and a point calculation unit configured to calculate use points for a user of the vehicle according to a time difference between the acquired point granting start time and the acquired point granting end time.

Abstract: In a method of inspecting a structure, a first ultrasonic signal generated from a target structure by a first laser beam is received. The first ultrasonic signal is generated by providing the first laser beam generated from a first excitation unit to the target structure. A second ultrasonic signal generated from the target structure by a second laser beam different from the first laser beam is received. The second ultrasonic signal is generated by providing the second laser beam generated from a second excitation unit to the target structure. A third ultrasonic signal generated from the target structure by the first and second laser beams is received. The third ultrasonic signal is generated by simultaneously providing the first and second laser beams to the target structure. It is determined whether the target structure is damaged based on first, second and third ultrasonic frequency spectra that are obtained by converting the first, second and third ultrasonic signals, respectively.

Abstract: A method of determining a thickness of a region of wall- or plate-like structure which is thinner than a thickness of a surrounding region of the structure due to a cavity in the structure is disclosed. The method comprises comparing a measured time-frequency dispersion map for at least one dispersive guided wave obtained by measuring the structure using guided waves with a reference time-frequency dispersion map obtained by modelling the structure, determining a cut-off frequency, fc, at which the measured time-frequency dispersion map and the reference time-frequency dispersion map differ and calculating the thickness of the thinner region in dependence upon the cut-off frequency.

Abstract: Laser ultrasonic testing includes a laser apparatus; a splitting unit that splits a pulsed laser from the laser apparatus into first and second lasers; a first pulse width conversion unit that converts a pulse width of the first laser; a first optical system that guides the first laser having the converted pulse width to a test object; a second pulse width conversion unit that converts a pulse width of the second laser; a pulse propagation time adjustment unit that adjusts a propagation time of the second laser having the converted pulse width; a second optical system that guides the second laser having the converted pulse width and adjusted propagation time to the test object; and a detection unit that detects a surface displacement change of the test object caused by an ultrasonic wave generated by the first laser when the second laser is reflected by the test object.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor includes: a base substrate; a first wiring portion that is fixed to the base substrate; a second wiring portion that is fixed to the base substrate and has at least a part disposed in parallel to the first wiring portion; and an electrode portion that is disposed in the base substrate and has a reference potential. The electrode portion is disposed between the base substrate, and the first and second wiring portions. At least parts of the first and second wiring portions overlap the electrode portion in a plan view.

Abstract: A system and method combine ablation of a surface of a part with inspection of the internal integrity of the part. A laser may direct an ablative laser pulse at the surface of the part sufficient to remove a portion of material from the part surface and to cause the part to produce an ultrasound waveform. A positioning system may provide relative movement of the ablative laser pulse and the part for application of a series of ablative laser pulses at a series of locations over an area of the surface of the part. An ultrasonic detection device may couple to the part to receive the ultrasound waveform and transmit it to a part inspection system that has stored a set of reference waveforms in a control computer. The system compares the ultrasound waveform to one or more of the reference waveforms to detect and characterize anomalies in the part.

Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic transducer includes a flux guide surrounded by one or more permanent magnets abutting side faces of the flux guide. The magnetic field from the permanent magnets enters the flux guide where repulsion between the magnetic fields directs at least a portion of the magnetic fields toward a test face abutting a test object. The flux density at the test face is greater than the flux density within the originating permanent magnets. An active portion of a coil disposed between the flux guide and the test object contains conductors that are substantially straight, parallel and carry current in the same direction in order to provide substantially mode pure and uni-directionally polarised excitation of shear waves within the test object.

Abstract: A case for an electronic device wherein the electronic device has a receiver coil for wireless charging and the receiver coil is formed in between an inner circle and an outer circle, includes: a hard protective frame constructed to receive the electronic device therein wherein the hard protective frame has a recess which faces the electronic device; and a metal plate constructed to be received in the recess. The metal plate is constructed to enable magnetic retention or attachment of the case to a support having a magnet. The metal plate has a rounded concave edge, and the metal plate does not overlap with the inner circle. Preferably, the rounded concave edge, the inner circle, and the outer circle are substantially symmetrical with respect to a same line.

Abstract: A dynamo-electric machine includes a laminated stator, a laminated rotor and a winding system disposed in the laminated stator and/or the laminated rotor and forming a winding overhang on end faces of the laminated stator and/or laminated rotor. The winding system includes a signaling line to detect interturn faults generated by a high heat. An insulation of signaling lines or a wire of the signaling lines is configured to be temperature-sensitive so that a melting point of the insulation or of the wire is about 30 degrees Kelvin above the temperature class of the dynamo-electric machine.

Abstract: A downhole formation fluid viscometer sensor and method therefor include a viscometer sensing package, a flexible diaphragm, a magnet and electric coil, and a signal pickup assembly. The viscometer sensor may also include a first cavity and a second cavity for mechanical and electric energy transfer. The magnet and electric coil may be driven by external alternating current to generate an electromagnetic force. Silicon oil may be used to fill the first cavity and/or a pressure balance hole may connect the first cavity to an external area. The diaphragm may be a titanium alloy and a ferromagnetic magnet may be attached to the diaphragm. The diaphragm preferably has a thickness from about 0.030 to about 0.040 inches and the magnet and electric coil can propel the diaphragm to vibrate at a frequency from 0 to 100 kHz. Formation fluid viscosity is determined using resonant frequency linewidth, with contributions from the sensor package intrinsic properties removed.

Abstract: A wireless power transmission system is designed to transmit power through a permeable conductive barrier layer. The system comprises a power transmitting circuit including a first inductive coil. A power receiving circuit includes a second inductive coil located on the opposite side of the barrier layer to the first inductive coil. A biasing magnet or electromagnet is provided and characterised by its ability to substantially saturate the magnetisation of the barrier layer in a region adjacent to the first and second inductive coils.

Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus for sensing a level of a processing medium in a chemical delivery apparatus are provided herein. In some embodiments, a chemical delivery apparatus includes: a support structure; a container coupled to the support structure to hold a chemical precursor within an interior of the container; an excitation source configured to cause vibrations in an exterior surface of the container; and a measurement device configured to measure a frequency of the vibrations.

Abstract: The present inventions provide a capacitive transducer that can reduce film damage on a substrate surface on a vibration film side due to a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between a through wiring and a substrate and a method of manufacturing the same. The capacitive transducer consists of a plurality of cells with each cell comprising a first electrode and a vibration film on a first surface side of a substrate having a through wiring that penetrates the substrate from a first surface to a second surface of the substrate, the vibration film including a second electrode that is formed with a gap from the first electrode. A holding member that holds a leading end of the through wiring is provided on the first surface side of the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a terahertz trapping device including a substrate, and a film disposed on the substrate, wherein the film has a slot in a particular shape patterned to be engraved or a structure in a particular shape patterned by embossing the film to control motion of a particle using terahertz electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: Methods for determining separate velocity components of an acoustic wavefield that are incident on a distributed fiber optic sensor are disclosed. A fiber optic sensor includes fiber that is spatially distributed in non-parallel planes of a three-dimensional volume having three orthogonal axes. The fiber includes a first fiber pattern that is spatially distributed within a first plane of the three-dimensional volume, and a second fiber pattern that is spatially distributed within a second plane of the volume. The fiber patterns are interrogated separately by a distributed fiber optic interrogation system. The individual responses from each pattern are combined and processed to determine separate velocity components of the acoustic wavefield relative to the orthogonal axes of the three-dimensional volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, to a device, and to a system for determining a position of a vehicle. The method comprises the method steps: Measuring (S01) at least one first magnetic field strength of a magnetic field at one each first position (A-i) by means of a first magnetic field sensor (11) arranged on a vehicle (1); measuring (S02) at least one second magnetic field strength of the magnetic field at one each second position (B-i) by means of a second magnetic field sensor (12) arranged on the vehicle (1) at a distance from the first magnetic field sensor (11); determining (S03) position data of the vehicle (1) at least by comparing data, which are based on the measured first and second magnetic field strengths, to a predetermined magnetic field data of the magnetic field; and outputting (S04) a signal based on said position data.

Abstract: A system for measuring the position of a rod element as, for example, a hydraulically or pneumatically operated piston rod. Unlike the prior art, the system according to the present invention employs a measuring principle that does not require preparatory treatment of the rod element as is required in the known solutions. The system employs direct time of flight measurements with the aid of acoustic surface waves that are introduced into the rod element. The instrument is retrofittable on existing cylinders without any modification/reconstruction thereof. An EMAT principle is employed to introduce the surface waves into the measurement in a non-contact manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a composite structure. A pulsed laser beam having a number of properties is generated. Each of the number of properties is within a selected range. The pulsed laser beam generated by the generation laser system is directed towards a composite structure comprised of a number of composite materials. A number of ultrasonic waves are formed in the composite structure when the pulsed laser beam contacts the composite structure without causing any undesired inconsistencies in the composite structure outside of selected tolerances.

Abstract: An illustrative distributed sensing system includes a fiberoptic cable, a transmitter module, and a receiver module. The transmitter module is coupled to the fiberoptic cable to communicate light in each of multiple independent paths to each of multiple positions along the cable, The receiver module is coupled to the fiberoptic cable to receive backscattered light from said multiple positions along the cable via the multiple independent paths. The receiver module includes at least one receiver for each of said multiple independent paths to obtain simultaneous measurements for each of said multiple positions. The multiple independent paths may be provided by wave division multiplexing, frequency division multiplexing, spatial mode division multiplexing, multicore fiber, and/or multiple fibers.

Abstract: A layer direction determining method for a multilayer electronic component to accurately determine the layer direction of conductor layers in the multilayer electronic component.

Abstract: A system may monitor a vibration isolating connection between a first part and a second part. The system may include a light source, an optical sensor mounted to receive light from the light source, and a processing unit for providing an output indicative of the deformation of the vibration isolating connection based on the output of the optical sensor.

Abstract: The present application provides a method for packaging a display device and an apparatus therefor. The method includes: providing a display device, a platform, a laser beam and a magnetic mechanism; wherein the display device includes a light emitting element, the light emitting element includes at least one effective light emitting region thereon and is prepared on an upper surface of a glass substrate, the glass substrate is bonded to a glass cover plate via a sealing adhesive layer; the display device is placed on the platform; the laser beam penetrates the glass cover plate and focuses on the sealing adhesive layer to sinter the sealing adhesive layer; and the magnetic mechanism clamps the glass cover plate and the glass substrate from top to bottom and applies a uniform pressing force on the effective light emitting region of the display device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting a test object with a non-planar feature. A pattern of light is transmitted from a first array of optical fibers associated with a sensor structure onto a surface of the test object at a location of the non-planar feature. The pattern of light is configured to cause sound waves in the test object when the pattern of light encounters the test object. A response to the sound waves is detected using a second array of optical fibers associated with the sensor structure. A determination is made as to whether an inconsistency is present in the test object at the location of the non-planar feature from the response to the sound waves detected using the second array of optical fibers.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods of inspecting a body of a tubular, are provided. An exemplary electro-magnetic acoustic transducers (EMAT) tubular inspection system for inspecting a body of a tubular includes an EMAT in-line tubular inspection device. The device can include a spine having a longitudinal support body and radially projecting rails, and multiple telescoping sections each connected to the radially projecting rails. The telescoping sections can include a magnetic back panel, one or more wheels positioned to engage an inner surface of a body of a tubular during inspection, and signal propagating and receiving modules carried by the magnetic back panel. Each module can include a magnet and different types of EMAT inspection transducer coil arrangements connected to the magnet. The different types of EMAT inspection transducer coil arrangements provide for the generation of NBSH, SW, and SV waves.

Abstract: Electro-impulse intracorporeal lithotripsy comprises bringing electrodes of a probe in immediate electrical contact with the calculus and supplying to the electrodes of very short high voltage impulses capable to ignite electrical spark discharge and establish a discharge channel within the bulk of the calculus. The channel goes through the calculus and creates tensile stresses, destroying the calculus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprises a sensor structure, a first array of optical fibers, and a second array of optical fibers. The first array of optical fibers is associated with the sensor structure. The first array of optical fibers is configured to transmit a pattern of light towards a test object and the pattern of light is configured to cause sound waves in the test object when the pattern of light encounters the test object. The second array of optical fibers is associated with the sensor structure. The second array of optical fibers is configured to detect a response to the sound waves.

Abstract: [Problems to be solved] A physical/chemical sensor that enables reduction of the size of the sensor and formation of arrays of the sensors is provided. The sensor can sense small change of surface stress and can measure mass of fixed specific substance. Also, a measuring method of the specific substance using the sensor is provided. [Means for solving problems] A physical/chemical sensor has a movable membrane (3) having a diaphragm structure provided to form a hollow section (2) between the movable membrane (3) and a light receiving surface of a light receiving element (1), a first piezoelectric membrane (4) that is provided on a front-side surface or a backside surface of the movable membrane (3) and that excites the movable membrane (3), and a second piezoelectric membrane (5) that is provided on the front-side surface or the backside surface of the movable membrane (3) and that senses a voltage caused by oscillation of the movable membrane (3).

Abstract: The present invention employs a photoacoustic measuring apparatus including: a laser light source; a forming unit for forming a second light beam by dividing or deforming a laser light beam; an optical member for guiding the second light beam to the surface of a subject; a probe for obtaining a photoacoustic wave generated when the subject is irradiated with the second light beam; and a buffering member that contacts the surface of the subject and transmits light, wherein the optical member overlaps areas of the second light beam having a small light intensity on the surface of the subject, the probe and the optical member are positioned on an identical side of the buffering member relative to the subject, and the optical member refracts the second light beam such that the second light beam enters the subject through the buffering member while avoiding the probe.

Abstract: A photoacoustic probe module includes an optical system configured to guide a laser beam generated by a laser source such that the laser beam arrives at an object at a target incidence angle and penetrates the object to a target internal depth, and a photoacoustic probe configured to receive acoustic waves emitted from the target depth by the laser beam.

Abstract: An optical fiber for generating a Bessel beam and an optical imaging device using the same are disclosed. The optical fiber for generating a Bessel beam includes a single mode optical fiber (SMF) unit, a multi-mode optical fiber unit, and a lens unit. The SMF unit includes a core and a cladding surrounding the core. The multi-mode optical fiber unit comes in contact with a first end of the SMF unit. The lens unit comes in contact with one end of the multi-mode optical fiber unit that faces the first end of the SMF unit.

Abstract: Provided are a photoacoustic apparatus and method of operating the same. The photoacoustic apparatus includes: a laser module that generates laser light and transmits a laser state signal indicating a state of a laser module; a probe including an optical output unit for irradiating laser light generated by the laser module onto an object and a scanner for detecting a photoacoustic signal that is generated from the object; a scanner controller for controlling a position of the scanner; a sequence controller for controlling acquisition of the photoacoustic signal based on the laser state signal; a signal receiver that is controlled by the sequence controller to acquire the photoacoustic signal; and a photoacoustic image generator for generating a photoacoustic image based on the photoacoustic signal. The laser state signal includes a lasing ready state signal and a laser exposure state signal.

Abstract: A system is provided for component separation. In an embodiment, a light source or other source of electromagnetic energy delivers energy to a volume of tissue. A transducer array or other sensor receives a resulting acoustic signal, and a processing subsystem processes the acoustic signal to separate a direct acoustic return component from a secondary acoustic return component of the acoustic signal. An output and/or storage device presents and/or stores information about the direct acoustic return component, the secondary acoustic return component, or both. Other embodiments include a coded probe, a probe having an isolator that produces a wavefront, a sensor for measuring intensity of an acoustic wave produced by absorbed photons, and a system that receives acoustic signals from surface targets to determine an optical parameter of the volume.

Abstract: A method for obtaining seismic information about a subsurface formation using at least one fiber optic cable having its proximal end coupled to a light source and a photodetector comprises: transmitting into the cable at least one light pulse; receiving at the photodetector a first and second light signals indicative of the physical status of at least one first cable section and at least one second cable section, respectively, wherein the first and second sections are selected so as to provide first and second information items, respectively; optionally, further processing at least one of the first and second information items so as to produce derivative information; and outputting at least one of the first, second, and derivative information items to a display; wherein the second item differs from the first item in at least one aspect selected from the group consisting of: resolution, area, and location.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is used, including: an optical transmission system for transmitting light from a light source; a photoacoustic probe including an irradiating end for irradiating an object with light and a receiver for receiving acoustic waves generated from the object that has been irradiated with light; a processor for acquiring information on the object based on the acoustic waves; a light quantity meter for measuring the quantity of light emitted from the irradiating end; a memory for storing a measurement value; and a presentation unit. The processor compares the measurement value with a reference value of light quantity or a history of measurement value stored in the memory, and provides a result regarding whether or not the measurement value is within a reference range to the presentation unit.

Abstract: A laser beam having a single wavelength emitted from a laser light source is converted at a wavelength shifter into a laser beam having at least two wavelengths, which is further demultiplexed at a beam splitter into a laser beam having a first wavelength and a laser beam having a second wavelength. The output power and pulse width of the laser beam having the first wavelength are adjusted by a first controller so as to reach levels appropriate for generating ultrasonic vibrations without causing damage to an inspection object. The output power and pulse width of the laser beam having the second wavelength are adjusted by a second controller so as to reach appropriate levels for detecting the above-described ultrasonic vibrations. These laser beams are multiplexed by a multiplexer into a single laser beam to be focused onto a surface of the inspection object.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for tracking objects in conduits, especially for tracking the movement of a pig in a pipeline, are disclosed. Distributed acoustic sensing is used to obtain signal returns from a plurality of discrete longitudinal sensing portions of a fibre optic cable which is laid along the length of the conduit. The method involves detecting an acoustic signature corresponding to the object moving in the conduit. The acoustic signature may comprise a series of pressure pulses caused by the object traversing joints etc. in the conduit. Preferably the method involves detecting pressure waves caused by the object as it moves through the conduit. Detecting the characteristic pressure wave signal provides discrimination of the object from other acoustic disturbances. In pipeline applications a pig can be tracked in real time, if the pig stops moving an alert can be generated and the location of the pig will be known.

Abstract: A device and system is provided for amplifying vibrations resulting from underwater acoustic signals. In operation, a laser interrogation beam is directed along an axis at the retro-reflector device and is responsive to reflections directed along the axis of the interrogation beam. The retro-reflector device reflects a signal back to a source and a tracking signal superimposed on an interrogation beam enables continuous sensing of the reflected signal to reduce signal dropout. A glint tracker is provided for steering the tracking beam on the surface. A tracker system superimposes the tracking and interrogation beams and is responsive to reflected glints in order to establish a directional location. An interferometer responsive to the reflected interrogation beam produces an interference signal for enabling continuous measurement of surface vibrations.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is used which includes a laser medium that oscillates laser light, an excitation source that excites the laser medium, a voltage accumulator that applies a voltage to the excitation source, a voltage supplier that supplies a voltage to the voltage accumulator, a voltage controller that limits a maximum supplied voltage from the voltage supplier, a receiver that receives a photoacoustic wave generated by an object irradiated with the laser light, and a constructor that acquires characteristic information relating to the object in use of the photoacoustic wave, wherein the voltage controller compares a measured voltage value obtained by implementing division of a supplied voltage from the voltage supplier with a reference voltage value defining the maximum supplied voltage.

Abstract: An object information acquiring apparatus is used, which includes: an irradiation unit for irradiating an object with a laser beam; a restriction unit for restricting an output of the laser beam from the irradiation unit; a control unit for controlling an irradiation of the laser beam and an activation of the restriction unit; a probe for receiving acoustic waves that are generated from the object irradiated with the laser beam; and a construction unit for generating characteristic information relating to the object in use of the acoustic waves, wherein the control unit performs irradiation control of not irradiating the laser beam when the restriction unit is being activated.