Liquid crystal sensors for ultrasound detection

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The research group has recently shown that liquid crystals can be used to make a passive detection sensor for ultrasound. The sensor gives a visual image of the propagation of ultrasound through the sample; demonstration of the sensor has thus far focused on analysis of the resonant modes of a piezoelectric transducer, and visualisation of longitudinal waves passing through a sample. Regions of higher ultrasonic displacement lead to clearing of the liquid crystal sensor, which can be seen by eye. For waves travelling through a sample, any defects blocking the path will be shown by regions which do not clear. This technology could be used in a number of areas. The choice of liquid crystal material depends on the temperature of operation, and high temperature materials could be used to make high temperature sensors. Enhancement of Rayleigh waves at a defect could be used to identify surface-breaking defects under a paint without removing the paint; in fact, the sensor would be embedded as part of the paint. Or more simply, a removable sensor could be used to analyse the resonant modes of new piezoelectric transducers. The technology is at a low TRL but is ready for exploitation, offering a large number of potential avenues for a PhD student. This project will identify the key areas for development, look at potential applications, and develop the sensors such that they can be used for non-destructive testing (NDT).Scope of Work: Identify key applications and temperatures of operationDevelop sensors to a higher TRLInvestigate potential for NDTEPSRC themes: Energy (for plant inspection), engineering, manufacturing the future, physical sciences