Showing posts with label TeraMetrix LLC. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TeraMetrix LLC. Show all posts

Thursday, March 26, 2020

LUNA Blog-Luna’s TeraMetrix THz equipment used to examine Da Vinci’s Last Supper


https://lunainc.com/lunas-terametrix-thz-equipment-examine-da-vincis-supper/

On October 21, 2019 at the request of the Museo del Cenacolo Vinciano (Milan, Italy), Polo Museale Regionale della Lombardia, Ministero per i beni e la attività culturali  and the Istituto Centrale per il Restauro (Rome, Italy), one of the most famous murals in the world, the Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci, was examined using terahertz (THz) and millimeter waves.
Terahertz imaging is particularly useful in examining the layer structure of the mural painting in fine detail without touching the mural.  Terahertz time-domain imaging done using the TeraMetrix T-Ray 5000 system provided internal layer structure information of the famous artwork.  This investigation provides insight into the preparation layers present under the mural itself.  The information from this type of imaging can also be important for preservation, if a certain layer is loose, prone to degradation or delaminated, then that area can be treated in a particular way, or the storage conditions can be changed to slow deterioration.  If anomalies are found (areas where the structure is different) it can be a result of earlier restorations.  Often little detailed information is available about restorations that might have happened hundreds of years ago.The National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (Japan) coordinated the project based on their experience in cultural heritage science research field in collaboration with the Istituto di Fisica Applicata “Nello Carrara” of the National Research Council (Florence, Italy).  Because lower frequencies can penetrate deeper into the wall, a millimeter wave system from Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics (Kaiserslautern, Germany) was used as well.  
The first preliminary results were presented at the THz Workshop held in Kaiserslautern, Germany on March 3, 2020.

Monday, December 9, 2019

TeraMetrix Explores Off-line Terahertz (THz) Measurements of Bottle and Preform Layers



https://lunainc.com/terametrix-explores-off-line-terahertz-thz-measurements-bottle-preform-layers/


Manufacturers use both on-line process control measurements, and off-line quality control measurements.  The off-line measurements are typically those that take additional time, but often show detail that cannot be obtained on-line.  More in-depth study early in the process can actually decrease the setup time (possibly by days) for the manufacture of a new product and help characterize product specifications (e.g., wall thickness) and effectiveness of new materials (alternatives to plastics).  TeraMetrix has effectively solved this problem with its industrial terahertz sensors.
Off-line measurements and optimization methods can be quite varied often providing more detailed measurements or analyses that can be used to improve the product or improve the process.  An example is the fast (< 40 sec) generation of whole bottle thickness maps for total and individual layer thicknesses in a multi-layer structure.  The current method requires time consuming destructive measurements at only a few places on the bottle. However, a T-Ray 5000 terahertz measurement system running at 1 kHz (TCU5211) deployed at-line or off-line could provide the full bottle detailed information necessary to significantly shorten the startup cycle for these complex multi-layer bottles and improve the layer thickness consistency of the product.
In the example case here, a multilayer bottle is placed on a Z – Θ rotation stage that can rotate around and translate along the length of the bottle.   The total wall thickness, as well as each individual layer can then be mapped.



Certain areas of the bottle do not provide a measurement, e.g. along seams and highly curved injection points.  In the image above, the cylindrical section of the bottle is mapped in this way.  The entire scan took approximately 40 seconds, but this is dependent on the resolution required.
For products with critical structures (e.g., barrier layers in pharmaceutical bottles and fuel tanks), confirmation of presence and proper manufacture of the structure is essential.  The absence, gaps or insufficient thickness of an internal barrier layer can be extremely problematic.  Spot checks are a common practice, but full product scanning can both be used for QA purposes and product optimization / cost savings purposes.  The ability to routinely and easily make such whole product scans quickly, without requiring any couplant, and measuring both clear and opaque materials further increases the value of the measurement.
Even very quick (1 – 2 seconds) simple scans can provide a quite complete picture of the product.  A simple linear scan of an object creates a B-Scan which is a cross-sectional image of the product along the scan line.  The image result can clearly reveal improper layer structure.  For example, a scan line can be the circumference around the round bottle.  The B-Scan image demonstrates variations in total and individual layer thickness values along the scan line.

The grey scale of the lines in the image correspond to the polarity and amplitude of the reflection peaks in the waveforms along the scan line.  The Y-axis of the B-Scan is time of the waveform which corresponds to depth into the bottle wall.



In addition to thickness variation, additional features such as potential gaps in the center barrier layer can be seen.
A similar offline application of THz is the measurement of preforms used in blow molding, especially the detection of internal layers.  One of the layers in a preform, with the addition of Carbon Black, can serve as a light blocking layer.  It is critical that the layer extend up under the cap.  THz is sensitive to Carbon Black due to the slight conductivity of the material which causes reflections of the THz pulse. 
An important measurement on the preform is the confirmation that the Black layer reaches sufficient far into the screw cap end for all 360 degrees around the sample.  For the sample pictured below, it can be seen that the Black layer is present at the two locations below the lower ridge (Green arrow), but not at both locations above the ridge (Red arrow).

A B-Scan (cross section view) along the circumference of the preform at the heights of the Green and Red arrows help demonstrate the presence or absence of the Black layer.

In the B-Scans, the bright white line near the top of the images is the outer surface of the preform.  The dark solid Black line near the bottom is the inner surface.  The lower intensity light / dark lines in between these are reflections for interior layers.
Note that for the scan at the Green arrow position, the interiors reflections can be seen as a clear layered structure between the White Top line and Black Bottom line.

However, for the full scan at the Red arrow, the consistent layer structure can only be seen for the beginning and end of the image.  The loss of the layer structure between these two areas means the Black layer does not extend up to the Red arrow position for all 360º of the sample.
This type of THz measurement, enabled by the T-Ray 5000 and accompanying motion hardware, is a powerful tool for the examination and evaluation of both bottles and preforms.  By measuring a bottle in this manner, the manufacturer can more quickly optimize a new production line, but also maintain a high quality product in ongoing production.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Luna Innovations Reports Strong Third-Quarter 2019 Results



My note: Luna Innovations had another outstanding quarterly report yesterday. revenues for the quarter ended September 30th of 2019, were $18.4 million, compared to revenues of $10.7 million for the same period of the prior year, representing a 72% year-over-year increase. The increase in revenues year-over-year was composed of 122% increase in Luna's product and licensing segments along with a 22% increase in it's technology development segment.The following are CEO Scott Graeff's comments about Luna's terahertz division Terametrix. 

https://seekingalpha.com/article/4302958-luna-innovations-incorporated-luna-ceo-scott-graeff-q3-2019-results-earnings-call-transcript?part=single

Scott Graeff

Now moving on to Terahertz. Our product line is continuing the strong momentum built in previous quarters, with a robust double-digit increase in revenues for the third quarter compared to the prior year period. New sales and continued growth into the aerospace non-destructive testing, process control and research markets were strong in Q3.
And we continued with our strategy of enhancing market presence by deploying Terahertz sensors in the applications where high precision, high speed measurement or tolerance of harsh environments is required. During the quarter, we were awarded an Air Force contract to develop and install multiple Terahertz process control sensors used in the refurbishment of aircraft at Hill Air Force Base.
As you’ve heard me say in the past, the main drivers for Terahertz adoption haven’t changed. They are effective thickness control, lower manufacturing costs, minimization of waste and the optimization of product quality. We’ve maintained a good balance between ensuring efficiency in our daily operations, while still investing in growth opportunities.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

LUNA Blog-TeraMetrix Introduces the Dual Channel Terahertz Control Unit



https://lunainc.com/terametrix-introduces-dual-channel-terahertz-control-unit/


TeraMetrix, a Division of Luna, is launching the next phase in its terahertz measurement systems with the introduction of their Dual Channel Terahertz Control Unit (TCU54nm). The new product allows multiple sensor heads to be attached to a single control unit.  The TCU54nm will reduce the per sensor cost of deployment, opening new applications that were previously cost prohibitive.
Terahertz sensors are being adopted in those applications where high precision, high speed measurement, or tolerance of harsh environments is required.  In contrast to other sensors used in industry today, terahertz sensors are a green technology, with no nuclear radiation sources (Beta and Gamma gauges) or ionizing radiation (X-ray gauges).  Terahertz sensors provide a safe environment for the plant operators and a high-quality product for the manufacturer.
The new Dual Channel TCU includes several enhanced features to make it even easier to use.  The Umbilical, that connects the TCU to the Sensor has been redesigned to be lighter weight, and more flexible.  The new lightweight design enhances reliability while increasing stability of the terahertz (THz) signal.



The two sensors can be positioned before and after a coater to measure the basis weight of each layer.  The precise correlation between position and measurement allows accurate same spot measurements to be made.

For large diameter pipes, measurement on opposite sides of the product allow real time measurement of the OD, ID, pipe wall thickness and concentricity. If the sensors are placed on a rotating translation stage, all angles of the pipe can be measured.


The terahertz beam is small enough that it can measure both sides of a small tube at the same time with a single sensor.  With a dual channel system, two orthogonal sensors can measure the four cardinal points on the tube to allow dimensional control of production.


A calender stack can be controlled with a two-point control for roll runout and the center control can be provided by a cascade loop from the scanning sensor shown below.  The high precision of the T-Ray 5000 provides excellent non-contact control of the stack.



On steel cord tire ply calenders, balance above and below the cords is critical to performance.  Dual sensors can be deployed to provide on both sides of the ply to provide a measurement of balance and total thickness.


TeraMetrix is currently accepting orders for the new TCU54nm and expects to ship the new units by the end of 2019. For more information on how the Dual Channel TCU can improve your manufacturing process contact terahertzsales@lunainc.com.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019

An Introduction To Terahertz Technology For Non-Destructive Testing- Terametrix

Applications that benefit from Terahertz technology include aircrafts and fiber-reinforced composites. Shutterstock/Frank_peters

Sponsored by 
https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=18439

What is Terahertz technology?
In the electromagnetic spectrum, Terahertz (THz) radiation sits between the infrared and microwave regions with frequencies between 300GHz and 3000GHz (0.3-3THz), and corresponding wavelengths from 1mm to 0.1mm. Historically, difficulties in generating and detecting THz radiation limited research into its interactions with matter [1]. However, recent advances now mean that it is possible to generate and detect 0.1-3THz frequencies.
THz radiation can penetrate a wide variety of non-conducting materials (such as cardboard, plastic, ceramics, clothing, wood, masonry, and paper.)). Penetration depth is relatively large (although usually less than that of microwave radiation), making THz-radiation suitable for probing the inner structure of samples in search of defects and inclusions [2]. Many chemicals have defining fingerprints at THz-frequencies so THz spectroscopy can be used to identify and characterize substances such as drugs and explosives.

Advantages of THz radiation

THz radiation penetrates many materials (more than infrared, for example) and, as an imaging technique, also exhibits good spatial resolution (better than microwaves, for example) [2]. This higher resolution means it is well-suited for analyzing complex systems with a low contrast range where established methods (like an ultrasound) may fail.
As THz pulses carry very low energies (compared to X-ray or UV radiation), they do not ionize and damage the material under study. This makes them particularly suitable for applications such as non-invasive imaging and non-destructive quality control. THz technology can be used where ultrasonic and other inspections cannot, such as when physical contact is not possible or when sensitive materials require examination (such as lightweight aircraft composites) or where materials do not conduct ultrasound [1].
Low energies mean this type of radiation is also safe for people to use; there are no associated health or safety risks.
Terahertz technology provides highly accurate, reliable and repeatable inspection data.

Applications

Pulsed terahertz imaging can provide a range of information about a sample. It can measure the thickness of a coating and study how well it is bonded, and give highly precise multi-layer thickness measurements in one go [3].   It can also detect the presence of internal voids or a specific gas, and detail the density distribution in a layer of foam [4]. Its major advantage is that can be used with the most sensitive of materials and testing environments.
Applications include NDT in aircraft and fiber-reinforced composites; ceramic coating thickness measurements; inspection and repair of pipelines; evaluation of seams; detection of voids; inspection of radomes (enclosures that protects radar antennae) and automotive fuel tanks; security applications such as checking for explosives in airports; and imaging of internal structures [1].

TeraMetrix Products

T-Ray 5000 series [1]
TeraMetrix Inc has designed robust compact pulsed terahertz measurement systems for use in an industrial environment. Sensor heads are coupled by an optical fibre to a rack mount package containing the electro-optical acquisition hardware. This gives complete flexibility as sensor heads can be replaced and configured to a user’s specific requirements. Cutting edge research can be performed quickly and easily as the T-Ray 5000 systems can be adapted to handle a large number of experiments thanks to their modular construction.
Sensor Heads
T-Ray 5000 series Control Units can be combined with a handheld gauge or  line scanner for nondestructive testing [4]. The Single Point Gauge (SPG) determines the thickness of several coating layers with unparalleled precision, and the Line Scan Gauge (LSG) produces images of structures under the surface. Measurements with the SPG can be taken either straight-on or at right-angle depending on which tip is selected. While essentially non-contact, a measurement tip helps the user to position the object at the focus of the THz beam when using a hand-held tool. Measurement configuration and mode of operation are selected using the touchscreen display. The system is capable of working on metallic or composite substrates.
Applications areas include aerospace where the system is used to measure coating thickness and panel alignment and identify defects; marine (coating thickness and corrosion under paint); building products (seam inspection and void detection); and petrochemical (steel pipe coatings and pipe repair inspection).
TeraMetrix Online Sensor Head - C1D1 [5]
The sensor head allows the  
T-Ray 5000 systems to work in flammable atmospheres, such as paint spray booths or coating facilities, as the transmitter and receiver are housed within sealed stainless steel and the lens is coated with Teflon to withstand solvents. It can also be mounted on a robot. While its working distance is set to 115 mm, this can be changed if needed.

Applications of TeraMetrix products

A good example is the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft. Its exterior is coated with specialty chemicals that are particularly challenging to measure. However, THz pulses have proved useful in measuring coating thickness soon after application once the coatings have dried. A handheld THz scanner can then provide the information necessary to assemble the airframe ensuring that parts are properly aligned.
Once in use, the aircraft needs to be inspected and serviced regularly. THz systems can be used to evaluate external coatings, as well as helping with paint removal when coatings need removing. In this case, they can provide information to control laser power and cutting depth.
NASA uses terahertz systems to examine the sprayed-on-foam insulation on the exterior of spacecraft fuel tanks. The Previous model T-Ray 4000 was also used to inspect the tiles of the shuttle heat shield as corrosion can occur underneath. By measuring the layers which attached the tiles to the orbiter, NASA could decide if tiles need replacing.
NASA is also investigating terahertz inspection of heat shields, thermal blankets and ultra-high pressure tanks as it develops the new Ares launch platform; as well as for checking ultra-high pressure gas tanks used for attitude adjustment rockets. Terahertz imaging can monitor the tanks’ Kevlar fiber coatings to check for broken fibers. Any rupture would result in the loss of the orbiter.
THz technology can be used to detect contamination in packaged products such as powdered antibiotics while the product remains inside its packaging. It can also test the weight of tablets in blister packs and powdered antibiotics can be non-destructively examined inside their packages.
Pipelines need regular monitoring for corrosion and leaks and THz technology can be used to measure the thickness of multi-layer coatings and monitor pipe repairs. Usually, fiberglass composite wraps are used as patches and THz imaging can check these patches for degradation. The advantage of THz technology is that it can probe below the patch to the surface of the pipe and check for problems with the pipe surface as well as the patch.
References:

Saturday, August 31, 2019

LUNA Blog-TeraMetrix to Attend IRMMW in Paris





https://lunainc.com/terametrix-attend-irmmw-paris/?fbclid=IwAR1x1877hWlaNKPtvz147QlZ1M-fm9ylAvEvPgl6pPvpjIZCeM-tyvdx9IA

TeraMetrix will be attending the 44th International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves (IRMMW – THz 2019) in Paris, France, September 1-6. TeraMetrix will have a booth in the exhibition are on the first floor of the conference venue to demonstrate and discuss our products and the advantages of terahertz technology.
In addition to having a booth in the exhibition hall TeraMetrix’s Irl Duling will be giving a presentation on Wednesday, September 4, at 3:45pm on how terahertz technology can be used in industrial environments. The presentation will focus on how TeraMetrix’s technology is used in the online measurement of tire ply balance to improve manufacturing quality and reduce material cost, saving up to $500,000 per year.
Where to find TeraMetrix at IRMMW:
Booth: N° 28 (Exhibition Hall, 1st floor, in the gallery section)
Presentation: Wednesday, September 4, 3:45pm.

Sunday, August 11, 2019

Terametrix Division of Luna Innovations shows strong growth in Terahertz sales in Q2, 2019



My Note: I listened to the Q2 conference call regarding Luna Innovations last week. The company continues to show impressive growth across the board, which marks the seventh consecutive quarter of double-digit year-over-year growth in it's revenues from continuing operations. Luna grew total revenue 80% in the quarter versus the comparable year-ago period, and gross profit margin grew to 49% from 43%. Revenues from it's Product and Licensing segment grew at a robust 155%, while revenues from it's Technology Development segment grew at a very strong 18%. Below are the comments on the Terametrix division relating to Terahertz at Luna.  You can read a full transcript of the conference call here:

https://seekingalpha.com/article/4284322-luna-innovations-incorporated-luna-ceo-scott-graeff-q2-2019-earnings-call-transcript?part=single

Scott Graeff


Now moving on to Terahertz. Our product line is continuing the strong momentum built in previous quarters, with a robust double-digit increase in revenues for the second quarter compared to the prior year period. New sales and continuing growth into the process control and nondestructive testing markets were strong in Q2.
We continued with our strategy of enhancing market presence and sales channel expansion with the addition of a new distribution partner. This addition accelerated our sales and marketing efforts to deliver both a single-point gauge and a line scan gauge product into new market opportunities.
The main drivers for Terahertz adoption continue to be effective thickness control, lower manufacturing costs, minimization of waste and the optimization of product quality. We've maintained a good balance between ensuring efficiency in our daily operations, while still investing in growth opportunities.
...
Barry Sine
Kind of lost in the mix with all the fiber optic news is the T-Ray product line. And I know you putting a lot of marketing resources behind there. I think they've moved offices, and you've been to a lot more trade shows. Could you talk specifically about how that product line is doing the Terahertz sensing?
Scott Graeff
Yes. That continues to fit very nicely within our sensing vertical. So as I talk within the Lightwave Division, you have these two verticals and one being the sensing. And it's the third product that I talk about in that sensing vertical. So you have the OVA - I mean, the ODiSI, the HYPERION and the Terahertz product. And our team Ann Arbor - we have moved - at January 1, we moved them into a separate location. And they are really driving on all cylinders out there with the entire team led by our General Manager out there, Margaret Murdock.
So it is continuing to penetrate into the market. We sign up additional VARs and distributors, and we're seeing that momentum. Brian, you're involved with them, if you have any additional information?
Brian Soller
Yes. The team in Ann Arbor who are working on Terahertz has done a fantastic job in improving the product and in concert with adding new sales channels and distribution, and we hit on that. Scott, hit on it in his discussion of the second quarter. We did add a global reseller in Q2 that led to some new business for the nondestructive test market, which is focused on aerospace, oil and gas and automotive, primarily. Q2 was strong, again, in the aerospace market, in general; also strong, again, in process control, which is the two main areas of focus for the Terahertz team.
So again, as the product improves and as the team brings on and builds more capacity through international sales channels, we expect to continue to see progress there, and Q2 was an example of that.
Scott Graeff
Yes, Barry, I've always been careful with the Terahertz products, specifically. And I certainly just don't want to overpromise. I mean, I think, they are making - they had a lot of progress to make, and they have made that progress with getting cost down and some clean up internally, and that has gone beyond our expectations and the job that they have done out there.
So I just don't want to get out ahead of that. And I want to be cautious because the percentages are huge, but there are percentages on some smaller numbers. So I'll continue to update you guys as that makes progress, but we have very high expectations on where this product can go given the technology and where it sits.

Wednesday, July 24, 2019

LUNA Blog-Product Spotlight: T-Gauge® Sensor Configurations


https://lunainc.com/product-spotlight-t-gauge-sensor-configurations/

Whether your application is online process control, at-line quality control, laboratory sample evaluation, or non-destructive testing, TeraMetrix has a terahertz (THz) sensor to meet your needs.
Choosing the right sensor is critical to optimizing the performance within your application.  With a suite of easy-to-use products and accessories, your measurement challenge can be met.
For process control, the T-Gauge® Sensor Configuration changes the nature of online gauging. By coupling a T-Ray® 5000 Intelligent Terahertz Control Unit (TCU) with an umbilical and a Sensor head and running it with the T-Gauge software configuration, a high-fidelity terahertz pulse can be produced. The rich data derived from the pulsed terahertz signal allows multiple measurements from a sin­gle sensor. The multitude of connection options allows seamless integration with any QCS system. Measurements of multi-layer thickness, caliper thickness, basis weight, density, and delamination can be made with a single compact sensor technology.
TeraMetrix has developed a robust product line featuring a variety of sensors to create systems that have been deployed worldwide for a variety of markets and applications. Deciding which sensor is best suited for your need is based on the thickness of an individual layer and the type of measurement you are seeking (thickness, basis weight or density).

Standard Online Sensor Head (HXC50yn)
The HXC50yn Online Sensor Head (HX50yn) is a robust, factory hardened transceiver for the T-Ray® 5000 terahertz system.  Reflection measurement of thickness, multi-layer thickness, and basis weight are easily acquired. A variety of lenses are available to adjust the measurement spot size and working distance (1, 3 and 6 inch).
The transmitter and receiver are securely mounted inside the sealed metal housing. The umbilical for the transceiver, containing the electrical and optical connections, is constructed with high flex rated electrical cable to allow continuous scanning, and can be up to 45m aggregate length.
The HXC50yn provides sufficient bandwidth to measure layer thicknesses down to 50 microns.

Online Sensor Head with VRS (HXC51yn)
The HXC51yn Online Sensor Head adds functionality to the standard online sensor head (HXC50yn) with a virtual reference surface (VRS). The VRS enables non-contact, calibration-less caliper thickness measurement as well as basis weight and density without reducing the open separation between the sensor and the product.
When connected to a T-Ray® 5000 Control Unit, the HXC51yn will provide waveform response equivalent to that of the HXC50yn, and capable of providing detailed reflection measurement of layered surfaces.

Online EPG Sensor Head (HXC53y2)
The HXC53y2 Online EPG Sensor Head allows measurement of thinner layers than the standard HXC50yn Online Sensor Head. With higher bandwidth, and higher signal to noise, the EPG opens new applications to terahertz process control.
When connected to a T-Ray® 5000 Control Unit (TCU), the HXC53yn will provide detailed single-sided measurement of layered products. Coatings on metal or composite substrates and free-standing films can be measured down to 10 microns (0.5 mils), while buried layers as thin as 25 microns can be measured.  In order to measure layers this thin, the EPG sensor will require a tighter tolerance on pass line variation.

If your application exists in an explosive environment, the T-Gauge Explosion Proof Thickness Measurement System (SCS500n) takes the robustness of the T-Ray® 5000 to a new level with the ability to operate in flammable atmospheres, such as paint booths or coating facilities. The sensor is designed to be robot mountable and intrinsically safe.
The transmitter and receiver are securely mounted inside a sealed stainless-steel housing. The lens is Teflon coated to resist solvents. All components in the hazardous area meet CID1 standards.
Due to its compact size, the transceiver of the SCS500n is suitable for coatings down to 50 microns.


Single Point Gauge (SPG500n)
If your application calls for handheld coating measurement, or defect detection, the SPG500n provides an easy to use tool for coatings down to 25 microns and can display up to 3 selected measurements on the screen at the pull of a trigger.



The LSG expands the utility of the handheldby scanning the beam along a 2 or 3-inch line, providing a real time cross-sectional image (b-scan) of the object under test.  The individual waveforms can still be analyzed to provide layer measurements, and individual b-scan images or b-scan videos can be captured.  The LSG can measure layers down to 50 microns.



The team at TeraMetrix is ready to help determine which of our sensors is the best solution for your needs. For information on these featured sensors or any of our terahertz measurement products please feel free to contact our team.