Exploring possibilities for industrial applications

During a trip to Aberdeen I picked up a free newspaper to read on the flight. One of the articles, written by Science Editor Tom Whipple, caught my eye. The article was titled: ‘Nanotech jab lets mice see in dark… and we could too’. Scientists have enabled mice to see in the dark by injecting specially designed nanoparticles into their eyes, enabling the animals to see in the near-infrared spectrum, which is the same light that is exploited in night-vision goggles.

The injected nanoparticles remained at the back of the retina of the mice and converted the near-infrared light to something visible. The particles were slowly removed from the body of the mouse over a period of weeks, returning the vision to normal without any side effects. The article then goes on to suggest that the same could be achieved with humans. How useful could that be for NDT practitioners when asked to inspect in areas in which the white light conditions are less than adequate? They could just pop along to the opticians and have a jab of nanoparticles in each eye. I am unsure how the vision requirements specified in ISO 9712 and 
EN 4179 would cope with this temporary alteration to the operator’s vision. How will the effectiveness of the nanoparticles be assured and what level of monitoring will be needed to monitor ongoing effectiveness?

The science behind this procedure is based on the particles broadening the limited band of wavelengths that can be seen by taking light with longer wavelengths than red light, which is normally invisible, and converting it to light that is visible.

The article finishes by quoting Gang Han from the University of Massachusetts, who said: “Giving people this ability could, quite literally, change our perspective on the world.” He also added: “If we had near-infrared vision, we could see the universe in a whole new way. We might be able to do infrared astronomy with the naked eye or have night vision without bulky equipment.” Disappointingly, he fails to mention any NDT or CM applications; however, I think there is significant scope to explore the potential gains. The biggest drawback for me is the thought of having my eyes injected.

An additional article in a rival newspaper was titled: ‘Algorithm enhances X-rays to reveal hidden art masterpieces’. Dr Miguel Rodrigues of University College London (UCL) stated: “We are hoping to use advances in artificial intelligence (AI) to solve some of the problems and mysteries in the art world.” Many artists often painted over their works and conventional radiography is able to discern levels of hidden images, but with the use of algorithms the images are enhanced and can be separated, showing what is hidden under the final image. This is obviously very interesting and valuable to the art world and I wonder if the same concept will have a place in more conventional NDT. Will degradation processes be easier to find on painted and coated parts? Where clad items are tested or manufactured by the additive layer process, will they be more accurately inspected? I would think that academics are already exploring possibilities for industrial applications.

john.moody@bindt.org

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