Optically and non-optically excited thermography for composites: A review

Composites, such as glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) and carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP), and adhesive bonding are being increasingly used in fields of aerospace, renewable energy, civil and architecture, and other industries. Flaws and damages are inevitable during either fabrication or lifetime of composites structures or components. Thus, nondestructive testing (NDT) are extremely required to prevent failures and to increase reliability of composite structures or components in both manufacture and in-service inspection. Infrared thermography techniques including pulsed thermography, pulsed phase thermography, and lock-in thermography have shown the great potential and advantages. Besides conventional optical thermography, other sources such as laser, eddy current, microwave, and ultrasound excited thermography are drawing increasingly attentions for composites. In this work, a fully, in-depth and comprehensive review of thermography NDT techniques for composites inspection was conducted based on an orderly and concise literature survey and detailed analysis. Firstly, basic concepts for thermography NDT were defined and introduced, such as volume heating thermography. Next, the developments of conventional optic, laser, eddy current, microwave, and ultrasound thermography for composite inspection were reviewed. Then, some case studies for scanning thermography were also reviewed. After that, the strengths and limitations of thermography techniques were concluded through comparison studies. At last, some research trends were predicted. This work containing critical overview, detailed comparison and extensive list of references will disseminates knowledge between users, manufacturers, designers and researchers involved in composite structures or components inspection by means of thermography NDT techniques.     

大视场空间对地遥感卡塞格林光学系统设计

设计了用于空间对地遥感的卡塞格林光学系统,系统的焦距为1000mm,F=5．6,光谱范围0．4～O．9μm,视场为3°,畸变小于1％。采用CODEV软件优化出两种系统结构形式,这两种结构形式的光学传递函数都接近衍射极限。将第二种形式的主镜的抛物面改成双曲面,并在校正组中引入了两个高次非球面,校正透镜组减少了两片透镜,其结构简单、体积小、重量轻,更适用于空间遥感应用环境。     

基于长焦距、大口径反射式光学系统成像的工艺技术研究

文中以焦距4 000 mm、口径Φ400 mm的反射式平行光管精密调试、检测工艺方法为研究对象。作为某光学系统的检测与标定基准, 该平行光管在成像质量、分辨率、出射光束平行性等关键指标都有极高的要求,重点从主镜微应力粘接、主次镜光学间隔精确调节、主次镜光轴一致性调节和分划板位置精确标定等关键工艺环节入手进行了深入研究,并利用自准直法进行了精密调试、检测。最终得到的平行光管系统分辨率≤0.8″,出射光束平行差≤3″,星点能量集中,无明显像差,十字分划板竖刻线与安装基准铅垂,综合性能指标达到设计要求。     

Laser based diagnostics – from cultural heritage to human health

An overview of applied laser-based diagnostics as pursued at the Division of Atomic Physics, Lund University, is given. The fields of application range from environmental monitoring including cultural heritage assessment, to biomedical applications. General aspects of laser-based methods are non-intrusiveness, high spectral- and spatial resolution, and data production in real-time. Different applications are frequently generically very similar irrespective of the particular context, which, however, decides the spatial and temporal scales as well as the size of the optics employed. Thus, volcanic plume mapping by lidar, and optical mammography are two manifestations of the same principle, as is fluorescence imaging of a human bronchus by an endoscope, and the scanning of a cathedral using a fluorescence lidar system. Recent applications include remote laser-induced break-down spectroscopy (LIBS) and gas monitoring in scattering media (GASMAS). In particular, a powerful method for diagnostics of human sinus cavities was developed, where free oxygen and water molecules are monitored simultaneously. PACS  42.62.-b; 42.68.Wt; 42.62.Be     

一种光栅型成像光谱仪光学系统设计

 成像光谱仪是一种“图谱合一”的光学遥感仪器。从光栅型成像光谱仪的使用要求出发,利用Zemax软件设计了一种光栅型成像光谱仪光学系统。其中,前置望远物镜采用反射式结构,传统的卡塞格林结构在主次镜均采用非球面时校正像差的能力依然有限,设计时采用改进后的卡塞格林结构对像差进行校正,最终设计的望远镜头传函在50 lp/mm处达到0.5,场曲控制在0.078以内,且不存在畸变。针对光谱成像系统通常采用的基于平面光栅的Czerny-Turner结构由于像差校正能力有限、成像质量较差不能满足仪器的使用要求。采用基于凸面光栅的光谱成像系统,该系统结构紧凑、可实现宽波段内像差的同时校正。最终设计的光谱成像系统光谱分辨率<5 nm,MTF在50 lp/mm时升至0.75。将前置望远物镜与光谱成像系统根据匹配原则进行组合优化后光栅型成像光谱仪系统点列图RMS半径随波长的变化均小于0.2,波长的80%的能量集中在Φ6 μm范围内,波长各视场在特征频率50 lp/mm处的光学传递函数均大于0.5。整个光学系统具有结构简单、像差校正能力强、结构尺寸较小的优点。     

TDI imaging-a tool for profilometry and automated visual inspection

TDI imaging is introduced as a solution to industrial web inspection under low-light illumination. In addition to the original purpose of recording clear blur-free images of the objects moving over industrial platforms, it can also be used as a tool for profilometry and automated visual inspection when coupled with proper structured light illumination modules. This paper illustrates a system employing a pulsed laser diode, uniform intensity line generating optics and a high-speed TDI imager for recording structured light patterns from rotating cylindrical objects. Defect or shape information is coded as distortions in a regular grating pattern recorded by the TDI imager. The shape or defect profile is retrieved by employing Fourier transform and scanning spatial phase detection techniques.     

Analysis of space off-axis and performance of Cassegrain optical antenna system

The research of optical antenna is of greatest importance in the field of modern optical communication. For optical antenna, alignment of optical system is a significant factor, which influences the transmission quality of optical antenna system. Antenna off-axis is one of the important factors influencing the transmission quality of optical antenna system. In this paper, we analyze and numerically simulate how power attenuation ratio and gain of Cassegrain antenna vary with the antenna deflection angle and the distance that the central axis of receiving antenna deviates from z-axis, when space off-axis happens to the system. Finally, the coupling efficiency of Cassegrain antenna is tested experimentally, and the results show that the coupling efficiency of the Cassegrain antenna dramatically reduces in the case of off-axis. These studies provide a theoretical basis for optical antenna system to achieve accurate alignment in optical communication.     

Design of Double Cassegrain reflective mirrors for optical system of IR cameras

IR optical systems such as Petzval doublet refractive lenses or Cassegrain reflective mirrors are either expensive or poor in image quality. Taking advantage of the low cost of reflective mirrors, here we present an optical design of Double Cassegrain reflective mirrors consisting of two sets of Cassegrain reflectors facing each other symmetrically. This symmetry also cancels many aberrations besides the chromatic aberration-free nature of reflective mirrors. Design results show that this system is better than Cassegrain reflectors in aberration correction and image resolution, but cheaper than Petzval doublet refractive lenses systems in price. IR cameras with this optical system could be widely used for body temperature measurement and security check.     

Active infrared thermographic inspection technique for elevated concrete structures using remote heating system

Conventionally, the inspection of elevated concrete structures requires the use of scaffolding or an aerial truck. In this study, elevated railway structures constructed of reinforced concrete were inspected using active infrared thermography. The inspection area corresponded to half of the middle slab covering an area of 16.8 m²; one inspection was carried out that took about 15 min. A remote heating system consisting of a 6-kW air-cooled xenon arc lamp and a scanner system was developed to detect hidden defects in elevated concrete structures without the need for an aerial truck or scaffolding. The generation of a thermal image and irradiation are carried out simultaneously by the beam scanning. High-contrast infrared thermal images can be obtained by the simple image processing procedure that is proposed.     

复合式无遮拦激光扩束器的设计

为满足大功率激光发射的要求,提出研制一种基于卡塞格林系统的大口径激光发射的复合式无遮拦激光扩束器,消除卡塞格林系统中心遮拦,提高激光发射效率。依据卡塞格林系统原理及其结构特征,结合伽利略折射式扩束器的特点,设计一种发射口径为550 mm的复合式无遮拦激光扩束器,采用反射式扩束器和折射式扩束器结合的方式,在卡塞格林次镜中心开通孔,使中心被遮拦激光透过。后接伽利略式折射扩束器,对中心透过光束进行扩束,两光束共轴发射。对设计的新型复合扩束器进行激光透过率实验,实验结果表明,对于波长10.6μm激光,透过率大于95.21%,比传统卡塞格林扩束器提高22.12%。     

High speed analogue autocorrelation for PIV transparency analysis using a ferroelectric liquid crystal spatial light modulator

This paper describes a novel automated high-speed optical autocorrelation system for particle image velocimetry (PIV) analysis. In this system, a bistable ferroelectric optically addressed spatial light modulator (BOASLM) is used for real time optical autocorrelation. Input data from a PIV transparency is scanned into the system by utilising two scanning mirrors and the output autocorrelation signals are detected with a two-dimensional scanning tracking system implemented by two acousto-optic modulators. This data extraction system is equivalent to a random access camera, which is used to track the autocorrelation signals from region to region in order to retrieve velocity data at the full frame rate of the BOASLM. The factors that influence the processing capacity of the optical system are discussed in detail and a critical comparison is made with digital analysis systems. A working prototype of an optical PIV analysis system is described and the measurement of 1296 velocity vectors from a PIV transparency in approximately five seconds is demonstrated.     

Optical preprocessing for automated inspection

It appears that a simple TV-camera connected to a computer will not produce a very good inspection system. The system is far too ‘anthropomorphic’ and not well enough adapted to the limitations of present-day computers nor to the preprocessing capabilities of present-day optical systems. The taxonomy of preprocessing, utilizing a priori knowledge about an object, is briefly discussed. One particular form of preprocessing is found to be specifically effective—the acquisition of three-dimensional data: 3D data are invariant under changes in illumination. Most often the real concern is over the 3D shape of an object, instead of the 2D distribution of the local reflectivity. Evaluation of 3D data is frequently much easier than that of 2D data and 3D sensors can disply a large dynamical (depth) range. Two new 3D sensor principles, developed at the University of Erlangen, are discussed.     

A Novel Laser-Based System for Measuring Internal Thread Parameters

Based on the theory of laser measurements, we propose a novel laser-based automatic inspection system for measuring the internal thread parameters, which integrates the laser-based measuring unit to detect the longitudinal section of the thread profile and the dual-axis moving stage for the movement of an undetected object. We design a special laser probe based on the bidirectional inclination scanning method for obtaining the thread-profile data. This method and structural design enables the laser probe to overcome the shortcomings of traditional methods for measuring large inclined surfaces and eliminate the impact of the lead angle. We compare our results of internal thread-parameter measurements with the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) system and investigate the repeatability with one internal screw ring gage by the system proposed. The experimental results show that the measurement accuracy of the thread angle is 2′ and the other parameters are less than 4 μm.     

Beamline AR‐NW12A: high‐throughput beamline for macromolecular crystallography at the Photon Factory

AR‐NW12A is an in‐vacuum undulator beamline optimized for high‐throughput macromolecular crystallography experiments as one of the five macromolecular crystallography (MX) beamlines at the Photon Factory. This report provides details of the beamline design, covering its optical specifications, hardware set‐up, control software, and the latest developments for MX experiments. The experimental environment presents state‐of‐the‐art instrumentation for high‐throughput projects with a high‐precision goniometer with an adaptable goniometer head, and a UV‐light sample visualization system. Combined with an efficient automounting robot modified from the SSRL SAM system, a remote control system enables fully automated and remote‐access X‐ray diffraction experiments.     

Highly stable,frequency-controlled mode-locked erbium fiber laser comb

A mode-locked Er:fiber laser-based optical frequency comb with high stability in the repetition frequency and carrier-envelope offset (CEO) frequency is realized. The CEO beat signal was detected right after the supercontinuum generation by a compact single-beam f–2f self-referencing interferometer, which does not require further delay compensation. The stabilized repetition frequency has an out-of-loop tracking stability of 1.3×10^-13/ for an integration time τ less than 1000 s, which is limited by the stability of the frequency measurement system. The stabilized CEO frequency has a residual fluctuation of 0.52 mHz measured with a 1 s gate time. This is, to our knowledge, the highest tracking stability realized for fiber laser-based optical frequency comb. PACS 06.30.Ft; 42.60.Lh; 42.55.Wd     

A new method to improve power efficiencies of optical systems with Cassegrain-telescope receivers

We presented a new method to improve power efficiencies of the optical systems with Cassegrain telescope receivers by using vortex sources with optimized parameters. A typical model of optical systems with Cassegrain telescope receivers was established and power losses in the optical system under the H-V 5/7 turbulence model were analyzed in detail. The calculating results showed that power efficiency of the optical system can be improved from 76.48% to 97.25%. A reduced-scaled experiment was carried out and the experimental results showed that power efficiency of the optical system can be improved from 71.89% to 90.60%.     

基于二维振镜的多光谱集成靶标设计及应用

为了提高基于二维振镜光轴平行性检测方法的检测精度,简化测量操作步骤,设计了一种基于二维振镜扫描系统的多光谱集成靶标。通过多光谱集成靶板与LED照明光源结合,解决一靶专用中需要频繁更换、反复调校靶板及光源的问题。利用二维振镜进行十字分划中心对准,提高CCD检测方法的测量精度;采用像差优化的卡塞格林准直系统,改善十字分划成像质量。通过光轴平行性检测实验,多光谱集成靶标校准精度达到了0.10 mard,该精度满足多光谱光电系统光轴平行性高精度和自动化检测的要求。     

Analysis of athermalizing performance of thermal infrared optical system with Cassegrain antenna

The thermal infrared imaging system is of greatest importance in modern optics and the image quality closely relies on the accuracy of the optical system. Heat-induced mirror deformation influences the transmission performance of the optical antenna system significantly, which further degrades the accuracy of the whole system. In this work, the simulation on lens deformation circumstances under the thermal environment is carried out using the finite-element analysis software ANSYS. The focus shift property caused by the thermal effect is studied in the cases of reflective and refractive Cassegrain optical antennas, and the athermalizing performance of Cassegrain optical antenna system is also concluded. This work presents a direction to accurate designing of the thermal infrared optical system.     

Application of Bessel beams to 2D microfabrication

Fs laser-based two-photon polymerisation (2PP) has been widely reported as a means of directly writing three-dimensional nanoscale structures. Usually the voxel of a high numerical aperture microscope objective is scanned through the resin to build up the required model. In the case of high aspect ratio two-dimensional structures, such as cell scaffolds, repeated scanning is required to build up the height.The voxel shape can be substantially elongated by the inclusion of an axicon lens in the laser beam line. In this report we describe the use of a Bessel beam produced in the region beyond the focus of an objective lens when the beam has been modified in this way.A Ti:sapphire laser was used to write a range of 2D square cell structures in a Zr-loaded sol-gel system. The process was characterised, in terms of the dimensions of the polymerised Bessel region, for different processing conditions. Examples of the structures are also described.     

Development of a laser-based measurement system for evaluation of the scraping workpiece quality

A laser-based measurement system for evaluation of the scraping workpiece quality that can eliminate contact-induced measurement errors and increase measurement accuracy is proposed. The laser-based measurement system comprises a light-scattering-type triangulation laser, a computer numerical control (CNC) machine tool, and an analog-to-digital (A/D) card. The triangulation laser measures the depth of the scraping spots and the CNC machine tool locates their position. The 3D data of the scraping workpiece is then drawn using the least squares method. Cast iron and Turcite workpieces can be measured. Five parameters of the scraping workpiece, namely peak points per square inch, percentage of points, distribution of heights of points or depth of surroundings, edge shape of the grooves, and flatness, can be evaluated. The scanning rate and sampling rate of the laser-based measurement system are 100 mm/s and 10 KHz, respectively. In the future, an appliance machine based on the proposed system will be designed for the on-line detection of scraping workpieces.