Measurement-driven testing for ultrasonic and photoacoustic systems.
CocoaStudios LLC characterizes, verifies, and validates acoustic and optoacoustic hardware for industrial non-destructive testing and medical imaging, with documented methods and repeatable data.
Ultrasonic Transducers & Systems
Acoustic characterization of probes, instruments, and complete systems, from single-element contact transducers to phased arrays and imaging scanners.
Non-Destructive Testing
- Probe characterization: frequency, bandwidth, pulse shape, sensitivity
- Beam profiles, focal zone, and beam spread
- Phased array element uniformity and dead element checks
- Instrument and system performance checks
- Flaw detection and thickness gauging trials on reference blocks
- Immersion and contact setups for metals and composites
Test plans can reference the NDT standards your program requires, such as ASTM E1065 and ISO 22232.
Medical Ultrasound
- Transducer and array characterization for imaging probes
- Hydrophone field mapping of pressure and intensity
- Acoustic output measurements to support safety reporting
- Phantom-based resolution, penetration, and contrast testing
- Verification & validation protocols and reports
- Reliability, lifecycle, and failure analysis
Test plans can reference the medical standards your program requires, such as IEC 62127-1 and IEC 60601-2-37.
Photoacoustics & Optics
In photoacoustics, a short laser pulse is absorbed by a material or tissue. The rapid heating causes a small thermoelastic expansion that launches an ultrasonic wave, which is then detected. Reliable results depend on the optical source, the acoustic receiver, and the timing between them, so we test all three.
Optical excitation
A nanosecond laser pulse is delivered to the target.
Thermoelastic expansion
Absorbed energy produces a local pressure rise.
Acoustic detection
A transducer or optical receiver detects the wave.
Reconstruction
Signals are processed into A-scans, maps, or images.
Laser Ultrasonics & Materials
- Non-contact, laser-generated ultrasound for hot, curved, or hard-to-reach parts
- Composite, coating, bond, and thin-film inspection trials
- Detection of delaminations, disbonds, and subsurface defects
- Comparison against conventional contact ultrasonic methods
Photoacoustic Imaging Systems
- Laser pulse energy, stability, pulse width, and wavelength
- Fiber and light-guide delivery, beam profile, and surface fluence
- Tissue-mimicking optical and acoustic phantom studies
- Resolution, imaging depth, SNR, and multi-wavelength validation
Optical exposure evaluations can reference laser safety standards such as ANSI Z136.1 and IEC 60825-1.
Typical Measured Parameters
A summary of common measurements. Every program is scoped to its own requirements.
| Category | Parameters | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency response | Center frequency, −6 dB bandwidth, pulse duration, spectral shape | NDT · Medical |
| Sensitivity | Pulse-echo sensitivity, insertion loss, element-to-element uniformity | NDT · Medical |
| Acoustic field | Beam profile, focal depth, beam width, peak pressures, intensity | NDT · Medical |
| Imaging performance | Axial/lateral resolution, penetration depth, contrast, uniformity | Medical |
| Defect detection | Minimum detectable flaw, signal-to-noise ratio, thickness accuracy | NDT |
| Optical source | Pulse energy, energy stability, pulse width, wavelength, repetition rate | Photoacoustic |
| Optical delivery | Transmission efficiency, beam profile, surface fluence | Photoacoustic |
| System timing | Laser-to-acquisition trigger delay and jitter | Photoacoustic |
How We Work
A straightforward process from first conversation to final report.
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Consult
We review your hardware, application, and the questions you need answered.
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Plan
We write a test plan with defined methods, acceptance criteria, and timeline.
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Measure
We run controlled, repeatable measurements and share findings as they happen.
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Report
You receive a documented report with data, analysis, and recommendations.
About CocoaStudios
CocoaStudios LLC is an independent testing and validation company in Wayzata, Minnesota, focused on ultrasonic and photoacoustic technology.
We work where acoustics and optics meet, across both industrial inspection and medical imaging. Our approach is simple: careful measurements, clear methods, and honest results.
Who we work with
- NDT equipment and probe manufacturers
- Aerospace, energy, and manufacturing inspection teams
- Medical imaging device companies and startups
- University and research laboratories
Get in Touch
Tell us about your hardware and what you need tested. We will follow up to discuss scope, timing, and pricing.
Email us- info@cocoastudios.co
- Location
- Wayzata, MN 55391 USA