Detecting cracks in teeth using ultrasonic excitation and infrared imaging

Xiaoyan Han; Lawrence D. Favro; Robert L. Thomas

doi:10.1117/12.429316

15 June 2001 Detecting cracks in teeth using ultrasonic excitation and infrared imaging

Xiaoyan Han, Lawrence D. Favro, Robert L. Thomas

Proceedings Volume 4256, Biomedical Optoacoustics II; (2001) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.429316
Event: BiOS 2001 The International Symposium on Biomedical Optics, 2001, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

We describe a new technique, Thermosonics, that can be used to detect cracks in teeth. This technique was initially invented and developed for finding cracks in industrial and aerospace applications. The thermosonics technique employs a single short pulse (typically tens of milliseconds) of ultrasound excitation combined with infrared imaging. Ultrasonic waves vibrate the target material. This vibration causes rubbing and clapping between faying surfaces of any cracks which are present, resulting in a temperature rise around the cracks. An infrared camera is used to image the temperature distribution during and after the ultrasound excitation. Thus, cracks in teeth can be detected. Although this technique is still under development, it shows promise for clinical use by dentists.

Citation Download Citation

Xiaoyan Han, Lawrence D. Favro, and Robert L. Thomas "Detecting cracks in teeth using ultrasonic excitation and infrared imaging", Proc. SPIE 4256, Biomedical Optoacoustics II, (15 June 2001); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.429316

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available