Patent ID: 8717012
Filing Date: 2014-05-06
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. An eddy current probe comprising: an excitation coil having windings adapted to be coupled to a low-frequency alternating current (AC) source; at least one magnetoresistive sensor centrally disposed within said excitation coil and at one end of said excitation coil to thereby define a sensing end of said eddy current probe adapted to be positioned adjacent to a surface of a structure, each said magnetoresistive sensor having an axis of sensitivity; a tubular flux focusing lens disposed between said excitation coil and each said magnetoresistive sensor for preventing magnetic coupling between said excitation coil and each said magnetoresistive sensor, said lens being made from an electrically-conductive material having a high magnetic permeability; and an excitation wire spaced apart from each said magnetoresistive sensor wherein said excitation wire is perpendicular to each said axis of sensitivity and such that, when said sensing end of said eddy current probe is positioned adjacent to the surface of the structure, said excitation wire is disposed between each said magnetoresistive sensor and the surface of the structure, said excitation wire adapted to be coupled to a high-frequency AC source.