Adaptive data acquisition for fast ultrasonic imaging using laser induced phased arrays

Abstract This study introduces a novel data acquisition method, the Selective Matrix Capture (SMC), that can adapt the array geometry during data acquisition, to the demands of the inspected structure, such as the defects encountered. The adaptive data acquisition method is enabled by the use of Laser Induced Phased Arrays (LIPAs). We have previously demonstrated high-resolution ultrasonic images of the interior of components using Full Matrix Capture (FMC) and the Total Focusing Method (TFM). However, capturing the FMC requires long synthesis time due to signal averaging and mechanical laser scanning, compromising the application potential of LIPAs. Given that most components are defect free, significant time savings can be obtained by only acquiring high-fidelity data when a defect is indicated. The paper presents the Selective Matrix Capture that acquires data more efficiently without a priori knowledge of the location of the defects, while still achieving the superior imaging quality provided by an FMC data set.