Los Alamos National Laboratory
 
 
DE-6  Advanced Energetics Research Team

Electromagnetic Acustical Transducer System (EMAT)

Seeing through Heavy Metal

model of EMAT probe
Fresnel zone focused EMAT probe

  • ~ 1 mm detection resolution
  • Diagnosis of thickness
  • Non-contact
  • Laser focusing ~ 1/10 mil resolution
  • ± 15 volt 9 amp system

The purpose of this sensor system is to "see" through heavy metals, typically metals that contain significant grain structures, and to diagnose the material on the the back side of this metal. We proposed this Idea, based on existing concepts for pipeline diagnostics capabilities, and then lead a team which created a prototype sensor and scanning system. Ultimately a private company was contracted to develop and perfect this sensor such that the following operational requirements were met:

  • Non-contact system
  • Low voltage and low current
  • ~ 1 mm resolution
  • Relatively fast and easily deployed

This feasibility study was successfully completed
Electromagnetic Acustical Transducer System (EMAT) (pdf)

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