Nondestructive Method Uses Lasers to Characterize Nanomaterials’ Properties

A noncontact measurement method that uses laser ultrasound so that the detailed elastic properties of nanostructured materials can be characterized will help engineers and scientists decide whether nanomaterials can be processed into certain components. These determinations depend on the materials’ mechanical properties. Nanostructuring of materials can lead to the discovery of new, often surprising properties. While this opens doors to potential applications and technologies, the ability to determine their true mechanical properties — and, as a result, judge whether a certain material is a fit for a certain application — is difficult. The properties can change in the measurement process. Other deterministic tests...