The innovation in new composite structural materials allows for lighter and more economical products. With the increased use of composite materials, it has become apparent that conventional non-destructive testing (NDT) methods are often impractical or unsuitable for tests of these materials.

With ability to find discontinuities (both those introduced during the manufacturing process and those that result from use) in composite structures, Laser Shearography has become one of the primary methods used for non-destructive inspection of composites.