Thin-film ultrasonic sensor from Novosound
27/03/2020
Scotland-based Novosound is preparing to launch its first flexible thin-film ultrasound sensor for inspecting curved surfaces, after securing a £3.3 million (approximately US$4.3 million) investment in its technology.The flexible phased array, which is 0.25 mm thick and can be customised to various lengths and shapes, is connected to standard hardware scanners and imaging devices for NDT and inspection. The first market Novosound is targeting for the device is inspection in aircraft maintenance and repair.
The device is Novosound’s first in a range of ultrasound sensors it is planning for the aerospace market made using the company’s patented thin-film deposition manufacturing process.
According to Novosound, the thin-film sensors can produce higher resolution imaging than other ultrasound sensors. The company is also developing ‘fit and forget’ sensors that can operate continuously at high temperatures, suitable for use in applications such as flight testing and condition monitoring.
The recent funding round was led by the Foresight Williams Technology Fund, which is investing £1.5 million (approximately US$1.9 million) alongside Scottish and European government funding and investments from existing shareholders Par Equity, Kelvin Capital, Gabriel Investments, the University of the West of Scotland and the Scottish Investment Bank.
