Bespoke Measurements

Your gateway to understanding and analysing full-field vibrations.

3D LDV scanning a granite rock — Wave propagation on the surfaces of a granite block.

Robotized 3D Scanning Laser Doppler Vibrometer

At the "Centre for Immersive Wave Experimentation" we have gathered extensive experience in utilizing optical vibration measurements as part of our research. Such studies are invaluable in the fields of metamaterials, non-destructive testing, actuator characterisation, small-scale modelling, and geophysics – to name just a few.

In our laboratory researchers in industry and academia can unlock the dynamics of full-field vibrations in their projects.

Key features

full field velocity recordings
contactless measurements
full-body acquisition
automated measurements
sampling frequency up to 25 MHz
time and frequency domain acquisition

Measurement laser: wavelength 1550 nm (invisible)

Targeting laser: 515 nm (green)

Geometry scan unit: wavelength 660-680 nm (red)

The LDV was last calibrated by Polytec to industry standards on 08.02.2023.

LDV Scan Area — Measurement area of the robotized 3D LDV.

The measurement area of the 3D LDV spans 8 m x 3 m x 2.5 m (W x D x H). It is bounded by a light fence, allowing for longer automated measurements.

Structures up to 3 m x 3 m can be brought into the laboratory through a large gate.

Inside, objects can be supported by both a pit lift and crane, each permitting 5 tonnes of weight. Thus, enabling access to all sides of the target.

Selected Examples of Full-Field Scans

Here we list the advantages of laser Doppler vibrometery underlined by an assortment of example scans conducted in our laboratory.

Full-field Measurements

By robotizing the 3D LDV, we can capture the three component velocity vector across an entire surface, offering comprehensive data on the object's behaviour.

LDV Robot — The robotized LDV moving through several measurement positions (sped up).

The robot is used to scan different sides of the target. Once these robot positions have been programmed the scanning procedure is fully automated and repeatable. At each physical measurement position a grid of points can be scanned at the desired spatial density.

LDV Rock — Wave propagation along three faces of a granite rock.

A piezoelectric source placed inside of a granite rock is actuated repeatably. The LDV scans a dense grid of points on all six surfaces, including the edges and corners of the rock.

Contactless Measurements

The LDV offers the ability to characterize wave propagation on highly mass-sensitive structures such as metamaterials through contactless measurements. Inaccuracies and complexities associated with mounting of contact sensors are eliminated. Furthermore, the LDV produces quantitative data on vibration frequencies, amplitudes, and modes.

LDV Meta — Characterisation of a graded metamaterial.

Scan points can be distributed along complex shapes. Here the resonant behaviour of a graded metamaterial can be visualized with measurements recorded in the time domain.

Operated in the frequency domain mode, the velocity data acquired by the LDV can be directly used to visualize the modal behaviour of the target.

Versatility in Testing Materials

The LDV can be used to assess a wide range of materials, such as metals, composites, ceramics, and 3D printed structures. Thus, making the LDV a versatile tool for non-destructive testing, allowing for the detection of minute defects or deviations in the material's integrity.

LDV NDT — Non-destructive testing of CFRP plates.

High Precision and Accuracy

The LDV provides incredibly precise measurements of surface vibrations without physical contact. Due to the superb spatial density and data fidelity, the data can be used for simulations and model updating.

LDV Actuators — 3-component actuators, about 2 cm in size, attached to a granite rock.

LDV Piezo — Dynamic response of the P-143.01 3-component actuator.

Additional Laboratory Equipment

Our lab also offers a wide variety of actuation possibilities.

3-component piezoelectric actuators (external page PICA Shear Actuators)
(1x P-123.01, 1x P-123.03, 60x P-143.01, 1x P-143.03, 1x P-153.03, 3x P-153.05)

2-component piezoelectric actuators (PICA Shear Actuators)
(1x P-112.03, 1x P-122.03, P-142.03)

1-component piezoelectric actuators (PICA Shear Actuators)
(5x modified single stack PIC255, dimensions 5 x 5 x 3.5 mm)

Impact source (pendulum and magnetic ball drop)

Pulsed laser source (external page Q-Smart 450, 10 Hz)

These piezoelectric actuators can be driven via the signal generator of the LDV system or National Instrument's FPGA-based acquisition and control platform: FlexRIO FPGA.

Signal amplification is performed via:

Single channel amplifier (external page TREK PZD350A M/S - bipolar configuration)
32 Channel amplifier (external page PD32 - PiezoDrive)

Please contact us if you would like to discuss how your project could benefit from LDV measurements. Scanning cost indication can be provided on a project by project basis.

Dr. Henrik Rasmus Thomsen

Institut für Geophysik
Sonneggstrasse 5
8092 Zürich
Switzerland