Holographic Testing

Holographic testing can test the soundness of car engines during construction.

Nondestructive holographic testing uses interferometers to test the strength and soundness of constructed objects in many industries. An interferometer is a type of measuring equipment that uses mirrors to split laser beams and measure the way the beam behaves. Holographic testing can detect imperfections and stress cracking that can't be seen by the naked eye.

Function

Using an interferometer, an object is tested twice: once prior to stressing and then after it is stressed. Subtle differences in the results of the laser beams' wavelengths can show stress or instability in the object.

Industries

Turbine blades are often tested using holographic means.

Holographic testing is used in many manufacturing and science industries, such as aerospace, automotive, electrical and chemical fields. It is also sometimes used in medicine and even the arts.

Applications

The vibrations of instruments are important to the sound quality of the instrument.

Holographic testing can test many different machine parts, molds, fluids and even concrete. In medicine, it aids in difficult measurements, such as those involving bones, and it is also used to test the quality of medical materials. In artwork, it can be used for restorations and to test the vibrations of musical instruments.

References

• Hololight: Holographic Nondestructive Testing of Materials
• The University of Arizona: Use of Computer Generated Holograms for Testing Aspheric Objects