Generation Laser Scanning Method for the Visualization of Ultrasounds Propagating on a 3-D Object with an Arbitrary Shape

We propose a generation laser scanning method for imaging of propagation of ultrasounds. Scanning a pulsed laser beam on an object for the generation of ultrasounds, the propagated ultrasounds were detected by a fixed PZT transducer. Although detected waves were ultrasounds generated from the different irradiation points, we could, by means of simple data processing using the measured waveform data, produce the animation images of the ultrasound generating from the reception transducer position. Because this method requires no adjustment of beam incident angle and beam focus, we can easily visualize the ultrasound on a solid media having any complicated shape. The distinguishing features of this method are applicable even in a field inspection work.