Numerical modeling studies were carried out for the design and performance evaluation of an eddy current probe for superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) based noncontacting electromagnetic nondestructive testing. The probe utilizes high-Tc SQUID from electromagnetic interference and to focus magnetic flux due to the eddy current excitation coil into the object under test (OUT). This is very important in order to achieve “self-nulling,” where the probe responds only to the defects in the OUT. Simulations are carried out with the eddy current probe located a finite distance above a defect free conducting half-space of infinite thickness. Eddy current densities in the OUT are then calculated for various probe designs. These eddy current densities give an indication of the flux focusing, and hence increased spatial resolution for combinations of HTS and μ-metal shielding. Shielding factors are also calculated for the screening of the primary excitation field and the “defect-free” eddy current field. Agreement with the analytical solution of a simple solenoid above a conducting half-space verifies the numerical method.

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