Holey-structured metamaterial lens for subwavelength resolution in ultrasonic characterization of metallic components

Abstract

This paper presents the implementation of holey structured metamaterial lens for ultrasonic characterization of subwavelength subsurface defects in metallic components. Experimental results are presented, demonstrating ultrasound-based resolution of side drilled through-holes spaced (λ/5) in an aluminum block. Numerical simulation is then used to investigate the parameters that can help improve the resolution performance of the metamaterial lens, particularly, the addition of end-conditions. This work has important implications for higher resolution ultrasonic imaging in the context of practical non-destructive imaging and non-invasive material diagnostics.