Laser ultrasonic measurement system with movable beam delivery

Abstract

A laser ultrasonic measurement system includes a first and a second laser source configured to generate a first and a second laser beam, respectively. A movable mechanical link is arranged to transmit the first laser beam. The movable mechanical link is formed by a plurality of rigid sections interconnected by rotating joints. A robot is configured to support and control the movement of at least a section of the mechanical link to transmit the first laser beam to an object. An optical scanner is positioned proximate to the mechanical link. The optical scanner is configured to direct the first and second laser beams onto the object. An interferometer is optically coupled to the optical scanner. The interferometer is configured to receive reflected light from the object and in response generate an electrical signal. The first laser source is kinematically mounted in a housing assembly.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A laser ultrasonic measurement system, comprising:
 a first and a second laser source configured to generate a first and a second laser beam, respectively;   a movable mechanical link having a first end and a second end arranged to optically transmit at least one of the laser beams from its laser source to the second end, the moveable mechanical link formed by a plurality of rigid sections interconnected by one or more rotating joints;   a robot configured to support and control the movement of at least a section of the mechanical link to transmit at least one of the laser beams to an object;   at least one optical element proximate to the second end of the moveable mechanical link, the at least one optical element configured to direct the first and second laser beams onto the object; and   an interferometer optically coupled to the at least one optical element, the interferometer configured to receive reflected light from the object and to generate an electrical signal in response.   
     
     
         2 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one optical element comprises at least one optical scanner. 
     
     
         3 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 1 , wherein the second laser beam is transmitted proximate to the at least one optical element by an optical link. 
     
     
         4 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 3 , wherein the optical link comprises an optical fiber. 
     
     
         5 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 1 , wherein the second laser source is placed proximate to the at least one optical element. 
     
     
         6 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 2 , wherein the first and second laser beams are optically coupled to the at least one optical scanner using optics and mirrors. 
     
     
         7 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 2 , wherein the at least one optical scanner is mounted on a rotating axis. 
     
     
         8 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the laser sources is kinematically mounted in a housing assembly by a plurality of supports to isolate the laser source from stress. 
     
     
         9 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 2 , wherein the robot is configured to provide displacement to the mechanical link for translational and rotational movements of the at least one optical scanner proximate to the mechanical link. 
     
     
         10 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 9 , wherein the robot includes a robotic arm configured to support and control movement of the mechanical link for translational and rotational movements of the at least one optical scanner proximate to the mechanical link. 
     
     
         11 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 1 , wherein a load support mechanism supports at least a section of the mechanical link. 
     
     
         12 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 1 , wherein the robot is mounted on a track. 
     
     
         13 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 1 , further comprising at least two reflecting mirrors arranged in each rotatable joint to transfer at least one of the laser beams between adjacent rigid sections. 
     
     
         14 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second laser beams are rendered substantially collinear prior to being directed onto the object by the at least one optical element. 
     
     
         15 . A laser ultrasonic measurement system, comprising:
 a first and a second laser source configured to generate a first and a second laser beam, respectively, the first laser source being a CO2 laser kinematically mounted in a housing assembly by a plurality of supports;   a moveable mechanical link having a first end coupled to the first laser source and a second end, the moveable mechanical link being arranged to optically transmit the first laser beam from the first laser source to the second end, the moveable mechanical link formed by a plurality of rigid sections interconnected by one or more rotating joints;   a robot having a robotic arm configured to support and control movement of at least a section of the mechanical link to transmit at least one of the laser beams to an object;   an optical scanner proximate to the second end of the moveable mechanical link, the optical scanner configured to direct the first and second laser beams onto the object; and   an interferometer optically coupled to the optical scanner, the interferometer configured to receive reflected light from the object and to generate an electrical signal in response.   
     
     
         16 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 15 , wherein the first and second laser beams are optically coupled to the optical scanner using optics and mirrors. 
     
     
         17 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 15 , wherein the robot is configured to provide displacement to the mechanical link for translational and rotational movements of the optical scanner proximate to the mechanical link. 
     
     
         18 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 15 , further comprising at least two reflecting mirrors arranged in each rotatable joint to transfer at least one of the laser beams between adjacent rigid sections. 
     
     
         19 . The laser ultrasonic measurement system of  claim 15 , wherein the first and second laser beams are rendered substantially collinear prior to being directed onto the object by the optical scanner.