Millimeter-Wave Scanner: Precise Imaging Technique for Nondestructive Inspection
- Technological fields
- Cutting-edge Technologies
- Keyword
- Millimeter-wave
- Imaging
- Nondestructive inspection
- Laboratory organization
- NTT Microsystem Integration Laboratories
Overview
A millimeter-wave scanner is a precise imaging technique using millimeter-wave near-field back-scattering detection. It can be used to detect tiny objects that are ten times smaller than the spatial resolution determined by the diffraction limit. Linearly arrayed antennas pick up a two-dimensional image as they are scanned across a surface. The scanner would be useful for nondestructive inspection of fine cracks on the surfaces of concrete telephone poles that are covered with sheets preventing the posting of bills.
Features
- Imaging objects covered with a dielectric material and inside wooden structures
- Outstanding spatial resolution: ten times finer than the diffraction limit in quasi-optics
- Safe and license free
- Realtime imaging while scanning
Application scenarios
- Detection of concealed surface cracks on concrete poles
- Detection of concealed surface cracks on concrete structures reinforced with aramid sheets
- Detection of concealed surface cracks on concrete walls of buildings decorated with wallpaper, ceramic tiles, and so on
- Imaging of borings by insects and growth rings in wooden houses and cultural properties
- Defect inspection during factory production of food-stuffs and plastic products
