Canon Marketing Japan Inc. has made an investment in Äpre Instruments to develop metrologic technology to evaluate and measure advanced optical components such as freeforms and aspheres. The Canon division has also obtained exclusive distribution rights for Äpre Instruments products in Japan. “What we are targeting is the surface measurement of asphere and freeform optics,” Robert Smythe, president of Äpre Instruments, told Photonics Media. “Freeform optics are particularly difficult to measure due to the accuracy required, random shape, and delicate surface.” To evaluate the complex components, Äpre Instruments will use its patented SCI (spectrally controlled interferometry) technology. With the funding, the company plans to accelerate the product release of the noncontact metrology equipment. Smythe said in an Äpre press release, “Äpre’s goal is to bring optical interferometry into the 21st century by providing metrology tools to advance global optical manufacturing. This investment by Canon Marketing Japan accelerates Äpre toward that goal.”