Non-destructive testing of composite materials using terahertz time-domain spectroscopy

Development of novel methods for non-destructive evaluation of composite materials (CMs) at manufacturing and operational stages remains challenging problem of applied physics, optics and material science. In this paper, we have considered the ability to use the terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) for non-destructive evaluation of CMs. By combining the TDS technique with appropriate methods of solving the inverse ill-posed problems, we have shown that TDS could be applied for CM testing. At first, we have demonstrated that TDS could be used to control the polymerization process and, as a consequence, the CM binder curing. Secondary, we have shown the ability to detect the internal defects (non-impregnated voids) inside the CMs via the TDS-based THz time-of-flight tomography. Thereby, the results of our study allow highlighting the prospective of non-destructive evaluation of CMs using the TDS.