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The laser strain gauge: micro machining of diffraction gratings using an Excimer laser
Author(s) -
Wileman P.,
Coupland J.M.,
Creasey C.D.,
Rowley D.M.,
Halliwell N.A.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
strain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.477
H-Index - 47
eISSN - 1475-1305
pISSN - 0039-2103
DOI - 10.1111/j.1475-1305.1994.tb00909.x
Subject(s) - materials science , strain gauge , excimer laser , grating , optics , diffraction , laser , diffraction grating , beam (structure) , deformation (meteorology) , composite material , optoelectronics , physics
The laser strain gauge is a recently developed instrument for the single point measurement of surface strain to a resolution of 1 μm. It measures the deformation of a diffraction grating adhered to or etched into the surface of various substrates. In comparison with a conventional electrical resistance strain gauge the new gauge offers greater thermal stability and avoids the inconvenience of electrical connections. When gratings are etched directly into the surface of a component absolute strain measurements over its lifetime are possible. High frequency (1000 lines/mm) diffraction gratings can be etched into the surface of various substrates including carbon steels, polymers and ceramics using an Excimer laser. This paper describes the optical beam delivery system necessary for this application and demonstrates the feasibility of this exciting new technique.