Patent ID: 6973832
Filing Date: 2005-12-13
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for examining the internal structure of an object by reflection mode scanning acoustic microscopy, the apparatus comprising: a jig adapted to controllably move an acoustic transducer assembly in at least two dimensions over a portion of a surface of an object and adapted to removably attach to the object, wherein the object is substantially disposed in air; a fluid bath for generally containing a fluid attached to the jig, the fluid bath having a generally hollow interior defined by at least one side wall and a top wall, the at least one side wall defining a closed perimeter and including an upper portion and a bottom portion, the upper portion having the top wall attached thereto, the top wall substantially covering the interior of the fluid bath and defining a acoustic transducer assembly opening that extends through the top wall, wherein the at least one side wall and the top wall are made from a material that is essentially impermeable to the fluid; and an acoustic transducer assembly having a first end coupled to the jig and a second end, the second end adapted emit an acoustic signal that pings a portion of the surface and adapted to receive an acoustic signal that is a reflection of the emitted acoustic signal, wherein the acoustic transducer assembly extends at least partially through the acoustic transducer assembly opening defined by the top wall of the fluid bath such that the second end of the acoustic transducer assembly is in the interior of the fluid bath.