Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAFThe missing piece to the optical coordinate measuring device
08/21/2020 – Development of innovative production measurement technology for automated production lines
Tactile measuring devices for form and surface measurements are an established technology for quality control in production lines. However, such measuring procedures are time-consuming and only allow random sampling. An alternative for constant and remote monitoring in the nanometer range is offered by holographic sensor systems. These can already provide interferometrically precise measurements, yet, with a very limited unambiguous range. They cannot measure larger objects with significant height differences. This limitation is now to be overcome with the help of a new type of laser light source based on whispering-gallery resonators, which can tune the wavelength precisely, both in the MHz and 100 GHz range. This will extend the unambiguous range to the meter range, while maintaining sub-micrometer measurement accuracy.
Togerther with Fraunhofer IPM and the department “Optical Systems” of the University of Freiburg, the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF is developing an innovative coordinate measurement device with a novel laser light source based on whispering-gallery resonators together with Fraunhofer IPM and. The measuring system will enable a remote and precise measurement of large and complex objects during production processes. The three-year project »MIAME« begun on 07/27/2020.
Holographic sensor systems such as the HoloCut, developed at Fraunhofer IPM, can already perform interferometrically precise measurements within complex multi-axis systems (e.g. machine tools). With the developments in MIAME, interferomertric absolute measurements are also possible for the first time – the missing piece to an optical coordinate measuring device.
Laser research at Fraunhofer IAF
“Many steps are necessary in the development of a complete optical system,” explains Dr. Marcel Rattunde, project manager at Fraunhofer IAF. “In this project, we contribute not only our experience with the III/V semiconductor material gallium nitride, but also our expertise in the design of laser components and modules.” Researchers at Fraunhofer IAF are developing a fast GaN-based high-voltage driver that will be used to drive the ring resonators in the planned system. In addition, the innovative laser light source will be further developed, miniaturized and optimized for integration into the planned demonstrator.
Read the German press release by Fraunhofer IPM