We propose to construct and test a prototype system capable of non-invasively probing the characteristics of material properties using acoustical waves through thermal conversion of a remote laser pulse. The advantages of proposed system as an inspection and identification technique are: 1) Non-contact: Sensor does not require contact with container 2) Stand-off: Sensor could be located many meters away from container 3) Non-intrusive: Sensor measures properties inside a container 4) Real -time: Sensor and processing system gives results in seconds or less 5) Robust Penetration: Sensor able to sense through a variety of container materials including glasses, polymers, ferrous and non-ferrous metals. 6) Robust Identification: Sensor able to identify a wide variety of materials that include solids, liquids and gases.
Keywords: Inspection, Chemical, Biological, Non-Contact, Non-Invasive, Real-Time
