64735 2025 eng lecture 0 -- -- -- Plasma micro-hollow cathode (MHC) transducers offer a novel and promising approach for air-coupled non-destructive testing (NDT), with the distinct capability of generating ultrasonic waves across a broad frequency spectrum. Utilizing ionized gas as the wave-emitting medium, these transducers operate without requiring any physical contact or coupling medium, making them especially attractive for testing delicate or complex surfaces. Their compact design and plasma-driven mechanism allow for flexible deployment and potential miniaturization in various testing environments. This preliminary study investigates the fundamental behavior and performance of MHC plasma transducers in the context of ultrasound-based NDT. A series of experiments were conducted using laser Doppler vibrometry and optical microphone techniques to evaluate the transducers’ ability to generate, propagate, and detect acoustic waves in different materials and geometries, including PMMA, CFRP composites, and 3D-printed PLA structures with artificial defects such as flat-bottom holes and cracks. Results reveal the ability of MHC transducers to emit high-frequency, broadband ultrasonic waves in air, suitable for detecting subsurface anomalies. Although still in the early stages of development, MHC plasma transducers show potential for advancing air-coupled ultrasonic NDT. Future work will focus on optimizing transducer geometry and operating parameters to increase efficiency and signal-to-noise ratio. While conventional linear excitation remains the primary focus, this study also briefly explores the possibility of combining MHC transducers with nonlinear resonance-based methods, such as Local Defect Resonance (LDR), to improve defect sensitivity. Although the integration of MHCs with nonlinear techniques is still a challenging prospect, there is potential for enhanced defect detection, particularly for small or weakly bonded flaws. These methods could offer higher contrast and more precise localization of defects under resonance conditions. However, the implementation of such nonlinear methods would require further research and development. This study provides a foundation for exploring the broader capabilities of plasma-based ultrasound sources in material characterization and structural health monitoring, especially in lightweight, composite, or additively manufactured materials. ICU2025 - International Congress on Ultrasonics 2025 Paderborn, Germany 21.09.2025 25.09.2025 0 publish false true Dmitry Solodov eng uncontrolled Air-coupled Ultrasound eng uncontrolled Non-destructive testing eng uncontrolled Microhollow cathod Ingenieurbau 8 Zerstörungsfreie Prüfung 8.4 Akustische und elektromagnetische Verfahren Infrastruktur Datei im Netzwerk der BAM verfügbar ("Closed Access") Präsentation Leichtbau