The Use of Fiber-Optic for TAP-NDE

Thermal-Acousto-Photonic Nondestructive Evaluation (TAP-NDE) is a powerful new fiber-optic based technique for the ultrasonic evaluation of flaws in structures and components. In this technique pulses of laser light may be guided through a fiber-optic probe to excite acoustic waves required for nondestructive interrogation. Alternatively, fiber- optic interferometry may be used to detect the response of a structure subjected to acoustic wave excitation by either conventional or thermal-acoustic means.