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International audience; In this paper, we describe a system that has been developed, which comprises a high power short pulse laser for ultrasound generation, a long pulse receiving laser for ultrasound detection, a demodulating interferometer, an optical scanner and a data analysis system for data acquisition and processing. Following many tests performed on composite parts in the laboratory, we present demonstration tests performed with this system on a CF-18 aircraft in a maintenance hangar. These tests show that the technology is now sufficiently advanced to be readily applicable to the inspection of detached components following manufacturing and for the in-service inspection of aircrafts. Recents developments of quantitative models which describe the generation of ultrasound in composite materials are outlined, as well as on-going improvements to the detection sensor.

International audience; In this paper, we describe a laser-ultrasonics system that comprises a high power short pulse laser for ultrasound generation by thermoelastic effect, a long pulse receiving laser for detecting ultrasound off the surface, an optical scanner and a data analysis system for data acquisition and processing. The application of the technique to the inspection of large area panels and contoured specimens is illustrated by two examples. Several recent developments aimed at understanding more quantitatively the generation aspect in composite materials and at modeling the whole generation and flaw detection process are also presented. The technology appears quite suitable and sufficiently advanced to be applicable to the inspection of detached components following manufacturing and for the in-service inspection of aircraft.