Patent ID: 7365533

Claim:
A magneto-optic sensor for remote evaluation of surface deformations on a magnetic or non-magnetic surface comprising: a polarized light beam source adapted to shine an incident light beam on the magnetic or non-magnetic surface; at least one magneto-optic polarizer changer adapted to receive reflected light from the magnetic or non-magnetic surface, each of the at least one magneto-optic polarizer changer comprising: a magneto-optic film; at least two permanent magnets having an opposite polarity with each other positioned to generate a magnetic field gradient within the magneto-optic film; an AC excitation coil located on a surface of the magneto-optic film; and an analyzer having a photodetector adapted to receive a reflected light signal passing through the magneto-optic film; the analyzer detecting angular rotated, linear displaced or deformed surfaces on the magnetic or non-magnetic surface by detecting changes in the reflected light signal from those of an unmoved or undeformed surface.