Development and Testing of a Prototype Erbium-Doped Lithium Tantalate Based Sensor for Infrastructure Crack Detection and Measurement

Author

Alejandro Barrera, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

Date of Award

12-1-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Engineering (MSE)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Constantine Tarawneh

Second Advisor

Farid Ahmed

Third Advisor

Horacio Vasquez

Abstract

Ensuring the safety and longevity of infrastructure is crucial to safeguarding communities and preserving economic stability. In this study, the development of a novel sensor for detecting and characterizing cracks in infrastructure, particularly suited for deployment on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), is presented. The device utilizes a laser (operating at 980 nm) for excitation of erbium-doped lithium tantalate nanoparticles that emit 1550 nm wavelength, which stimulates a photodiode for data collection. The data was utilized to collect, process, and reconstruct topological information. The synthesized lithium tantalate nanoparticle samples vary in erbium doping percentages of 0.5%, 3%, and 10%. Experimental evaluation of these nanoparticles has been conducted to optimize their absorption and emission properties, which are crucial for enhancing sensor performance. This investigation encompasses crack characterization methods, identifying the width and depth. This research represents a significant step forward in advancing infrastructure health monitoring through innovative remote sensor technology.

Comments

Copyright 2025 Alejandro Barrera. All Rights Reserved. https://proquest.com/docview/3292515093

Recommended Citation

Barrera, A. (2025). Development and Testing of a Prototype Erbium-Doped Lithium Tantalate Based Sensor for Infrastructure Crack Detection and Measurement [Master's thesis, The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley]. ScholarWorks @ UTRGV. https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/etd/1837