Nondestructive testing by using long-wave infrared interferometric techniques with CO2 lasers and microbolometer arrays

We describe three different interferometric techniques (electronic speckle pattern interferometry, digital holographic interferometry, and digital shearography), using a long-wave infrared radiation produced by a CO2 laser and recorded on a microbolometer array. Experimental results showing how these methods can be used for nondestructive testing are presented. Advantages and disadvantages of these approaches are discussed. (c) 2012 Optical Society of America