265 Excitation source optimisation for active
thermography.

In active thermography the use of an optimised excitation source can simplify the 1
interpretation of measurement results. Our custom designed source, especially designed for dynamic 2
line scanning thermography, minimises the needed excitation power and the biasing side effects 3
generated by a wide-range heat source. The source is redesigned, starting from a regular heat source, 4
to focus the available energy such that the needed heating power is provided in a small band. Ray 5
tracing software is used to design absorbers and reflectors in order to focus the electromagnetic 6
radiation as well as the heat in a thin line. The most optimal design is manufactured and validated on 7
a laminated test sample. The acquired thermographic data are then compared to the data captured 8
in the old-fashioned way with widely available excitation sources. The redesign is also tested on 9
durability and practical use to make sure that it is easy to handle and that it can be used as a long-term 10
solution. Experienced inspectors evaluated the ease of use of it in comparison to the existing sources. 11
A redesigned excitation source minimises the generated biasing side-effects resulting in more energy 12
efficient and safer measurements.