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OPTiCAL METROLOGY LTD

Optimet (Optical Metrology Ltd.) is a provider of sophisticated Non-Contact measurement sensors, with up to sub-micron precision, for distance, 2-D & 3-D measurement systems. As a leader in R&D, Optimet's commercial success is due to the practical application of a unique and innovative technology known as Conoscopic Holography.

Optimet's line of products includes point sensors - the ConoProbe, line sensors - the ConoLine, the MicroConoProbe for sub-micron measurements and additional accessories.

Optimet products offer measurement solutions for a wide range of markets among which are the Automotive, Aerospace, Steel, Micro-Electronics and Jewelry markets, for quality control, in-process inspection and reverse engineering applications. More than forty international industrial companies use Optimet's sensors, and have based upon them more than one hundred systems.

Optimet was established in 1995 and is a member of the Ophir Optronics Group Ltd., already recognized as a world leader in design and manufacturing of laser measurement instruments, optical IR components and lens-assemblies.

Optimet products enable measurement of highly complex surfaces at high speeds and at variable working ranges in the same sensor.

ConoProbe

The ConoProbe is a non-contact, single-point measuring sensor based on conoscopic holography. The heart of all Optimet products, the ConoProbe, when integrated into metrology systems, uses mathematical processing to transform the reflected laser beam into a 2D profile or 3D surface. Optimet products are integrated for industrial applications such as

QA/QC
Reverse engineering
In-process inspection

The ConoProbe easily processes an impressive variety of working ranges when using interchangeable lenses. Its sophisticated DSP (Digital Signal Processor) technology offers:

Superb precision (sub-micron with certain lenses).
Good measurement frequency (850 Hz).
Calibration data storage for up to 31 different calibrations.
Extensive angular range coverage up to 170º wide.

How the ConoProbe Works

The ConoProbe emits a laser beam that is reflected by a beam splitter and hits the object being measured. Scattered light returns from the object through the beam splitter and birefringent crystal and is then detected by the sensor's CCD camera (refer to Figure A 1).


	Figure A1

The birefringent crystal modifies the speed of each light ray differently in accordance with its angle. This creates a high contrast fringe pattern on the CCD camera. The angle of the light ray is a function of the distance between the reference plane and the laser spot projected on the object. The distance therefore can be determined by analyzing the characteristics of the created pattern.

The EC1000 Controller Unit analyzes this pattern and calculates the object's distance. The exact relationship between the signal on the CCD camera and the object's distance is determined by a careful and accurate calibration process performed for each objective lens used.

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