Abstract
An investigation of a laser flaw-detection system has been conducted. The technique replaces the piezoelectric transducers used in conventional flaw- detection systems with an optical system incorporating a pair of lasers. One laser generates a high-power pulse that strikes the test sample and generates a short-pulse acoustic wave in the sample. The second laser is used in an interferometer that monitors the surface motion. The advantages of this system over conventional techniques are its speed and flexibility. Since the system is remote--i.e., no physical contact is necessary--the sample could be optically scanned very rapidly. Also, there is no limitation on the size or shape of the test object as there might be with conventional methods.

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