Patent ID: 6633038
Filing Date: 2003-10-14
Classification: G01M

Abstract:
A method comprising the steps of:a) exposing a predetermined area of a structure to electromagnetic radiation including at least one predetermined exposure wavelength significantly absorbed by water, and at least one predetermined reference wavelength that is not significantly absorbed by water; b) sensing electromagnetic radiation from the exposed area of the structure at a predetermined detection wavelength and the reference wavelength, the detection wavelength different from the exposure wavelength, the electromagnetic radiation at the detection wavelength resulting from emission from water if present in the structure due to excitation by the radiation at the exposure wavelength, and conversely, the radiation at the detection wavelength not resulting from radiation at the exposure wavelength if water is not present in the exposed area of the structure; and c) determining whether the exposed predetermined area of the structure includes a water-suspect area, based on the electromagnetic radiation sensed in said step (b) at the detection and reference wavelengths.