US 11,933,749 B2
Nondestructive sensing device and method for inspection and measuring the cleanliness of composite surfaces coupled with methods for removing contaminants and activating the composite surfaces
Doyle T. Motes, III, Austin, TX (US); Marcus Keiser, Cedar Park, TX (US); and Richard Piner, Austin, TX (US)
Assigned to Texas Research International, Inc, Austin, TX (US)
Filed by Texas Research International, Inc., Austin, TX (US)
Filed on Sep. 10, 2021, as Appl. No. 17/472,533.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/077,263, filed on Sep. 11, 2020.
Prior Publication US 2022/0136986 A1, May 5, 2022
Int. Cl. G01N 23/22 (2018.01); G01N 23/2202 (2018.01); G01N 23/225 (2018.01)
CPC G01N 23/2202 (2013.01) [G01N 23/225 (2013.01)] 22 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An integrated nondestructive sensing device for inspection and measuring the cleanliness of composite surfaces coupled with laser ablation for removing contaminants and activating the composite surfaces comprising:
a. a pulsed laser ablation system to prepare and clean the composite surfaces;
b. a secondary electron sensing system using a short wave ultraviolet light to generate secondary electrons from the composite surfaces to generate a measurable current that is directly proportional to the cleanliness and activation of the surface;
c. wherein the secondary electrons are collected via a mesh collector connected to a virtual ground and the secondary electron current is measured by an ammeter; and
d. wherein the composites surfaces are biased to ground with a negative DC power supply.