SQUIDS: Nondestructive Testing

Due to their low-frequency magnetic field sensitivity and unsurpassed dynamics and linearity, SQUIDs have found many applications in the field of electromagnetic Nondestructive testing. For eddy current inspection of aging aircraft, SQUIDs offer advantages when probing thick-walled structures. Aircraft wheel and fuselage testing was demonstrated with a mobile SQUID system. Using the magnetic stray flux technique, dangerous cracks in prestressed tendons of concrete bridges are detected with better sensitivity than conventional systems. In industrial quality control, nonmagnetic products are inspected for small ferromagnetic contaminations. SQUID systems have been integrated in conveyor belts for routine inspection of dairy products.