About This Webinar
Surface and wavefront measurements demand increasing precision and accuracy as specifications tighten on high-performance components. This is true even when production or test environments are challenging, whether due to testing in vacuum or cryogenic chambers, in the presence of turbulence, on a shop floor near machining centers, or in situ on aircraft or in automotive production lines. Capturing 3D surface height data via a single camera frame allows high-resolution results regardless of the overall environment in which the test piece is situated. Trade-offs still exist between parameters such as exposure time, depth of field, lateral and vertical resolution, and field of view. Fortunately, all of these parameters can be adjusted for optimal results.
Novak illustrates methods for highly precise, yet extremely rapid measurements of surfaces and wavefront properties based on dynamic interferometry using polarization and specially pixelated cameras. He discusses various optical configuration and the applications for which they are best suited, and he covers specific examples, including as the following:
- Measuring surface shape, wavefront, and roughness on the shop floor and in extreme environments.
- Measuring dynamically changing test surfaces.
- Capturing 3D measurements using hand-held tools that are currently transforming manufacturing and inspection applications.
Finally, he covers how robotics and automation are transforming the measurement of large and complex parts, including in aviation and optics manufacturing.
***This presentation premiered during the
2023 Photonics Spectra Conference. For more information on Photonics Media conferences, visit
events.photonics.com.
About the presenter
Erik Novak, Ph.D., is general manager of 4D Technology, an Onto Innovation business. His background includes large interferometer design, developing hand-held optical industrial gauges, and product management. He has held director positions at Veeco Instruments, Bruker Nano Surfaces, and 4D Technology. Novak earned a doctorate in optical sciences.