Ultrasonic · Photoacoustic · NDT · Medical

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.

laser pulse echo 1 echo 2 t
Fig. 1 Photoacoustic excitation (red) and received ultrasonic signal (blue).
01 / Ultrasonic Testing

Ultrasonic Transducers & Systems

Acoustic characterization of probes, instruments, and complete systems, from single-element contact transducers to phased arrays and imaging scanners.

Industrial NDT

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

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.

02 / Photoacoustic Testing

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.

Step 1

Optical excitation

A nanosecond laser pulse is delivered to the target.

Step 2

Thermoelastic expansion

Absorbed energy produces a local pressure rise.

Step 3

Acoustic detection

A transducer or optical receiver detects the wave.

Step 4

Reconstruction

Signals are processed into A-scans, maps, or images.

Industrial NDT

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
Medical

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.

03 / Measurements

Typical Measured Parameters

A summary of common measurements. Every program is scoped to its own requirements.

CategoryParametersApplies to
Frequency responseCenter frequency, −6 dB bandwidth, pulse duration, spectral shapeNDT · Medical
SensitivityPulse-echo sensitivity, insertion loss, element-to-element uniformityNDT · Medical
Acoustic fieldBeam profile, focal depth, beam width, peak pressures, intensityNDT · Medical
Imaging performanceAxial/lateral resolution, penetration depth, contrast, uniformityMedical
Defect detectionMinimum detectable flaw, signal-to-noise ratio, thickness accuracyNDT
Optical sourcePulse energy, energy stability, pulse width, wavelength, repetition ratePhotoacoustic
Optical deliveryTransmission efficiency, beam profile, surface fluencePhotoacoustic
System timingLaser-to-acquisition trigger delay and jitterPhotoacoustic
04 / Process

How We Work

A straightforward process from first conversation to final report.

  1. Consult

    We review your hardware, application, and the questions you need answered.

  2. Plan

    We write a test plan with defined methods, acceptance criteria, and timeline.

  3. Measure

    We run controlled, repeatable measurements and share findings as they happen.

  4. Report

    You receive a documented report with data, analysis, and recommendations.

05 / About

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.

Clients

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
06 / Contact

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
Email
info@cocoastudios.co
Location
Wayzata, MN 55391 USA