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Supporting Your Metrology and Inspection Solutions

Understanding which metrology system or non-contact measurement method is best suited for your application can be a complex challenge. Our application notes, technical papers, videos, and other resources provide the data and use-case scenarios you need to make an accurate product selection.

To discuss how our measurement solutions and custom engineering services can best serve your project needs, connect with an expert.

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Application Notes

Read our featured app notes or explore all content by category below.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

General
Why would I choose to buy an OptiGauge?

The OptiGauge is a non-contact, non-destructive, all fiber, thickness measurement interferometer. Protected by over 20 patents and copyrights, the system is designed to:

  • Upgrade existing measurement processes
  • Improve productivity
  • Speed up R&D innovation
  • Decrease scrap and associated costs
  • Improve quality
  • Decrease operator measurement variability
  • Meet compliance standards

Lumetrics provides superior service and support for standard and custom solutions.

What is index of refraction/Refractive Index?

Refractive index, or more specifically the Group Refractive Index (GRI), is a measure of the optical density of the material. The denser the material optically (higher GRI), the slower is the speed of the light propagating inside that material. The OptiGauge measures the optical thickness, which is equal to the product of the physical thickness times the GRI. The physical thickness is then obtained through a simple table look up. Most plastic and glass materials have a GRI of approximately 1.4 to 1.6. The OptiGauge software uses a default GRI of 1.5.

Lumetrics can also be used to determine material GRI, using a special fixture called the Refractive Index Calculation System (RICS). This simple hardware and software package is inexpensive and easy to use.

What power can the system accept (120 or 240 VAC)?

The OptiGauge, controller, monitor, and switch all take standard 120 VAC–240 VAC. This is controlled automatically through the power input module

Can I use my own computer?

Yes: Although the OptiGauge EMS is sold with a controller, customers are allowed to purchase an OptiGauge II system without the controller if their existing computer meets certain minimum standards. In the OptiGauge II, the customer is provided with the OCC software to load on their computer.

Can I put antivirus on the controller?

Yes: Customers can load antivirus software on their controller as long as that software does not interfere with OCC functionality. Please consult with Lumetrics software engineering before performing this task.

What kind of light is emitted from the OptiGauge? Is it safe?

The light emitted from the OptiGauge is superluminescent LED light centered at 1310 nm. It is classified as Class I laser source, which pose no danger to the human eye. Nevertheless, it is a good safety practice to never stare at the light source (probe output window) directly.

Measurement
What types of material can the OptiGauge measure?
  • Clear and translucent materials
  • Some opaque materials
  • Glass and plastic materials are ideal
  • Dry or wet
  • Profile of opaque and translucent materials

Contact us by phone or email to discuss your material and whether Lumetrics’ systems can measure it.

What are the typical measurements performed by the OptiGauge?
  • Tubing:Wall Thickness, ID, OD, Concentricity, Ovality
  • Contact Lenses: Center Thickness, SAG
  • IOL’s: optic zone thickness, haptic thickness
  • Films: overall thickness and individual layer thickness
Does the material have to be clear?

No: As long as some light can penetrate the material, then a measurement can be made. We’ve measured glue on plywood, oil on a drum, food packaging, silicon wafers, and numerous medical devices, coatings, and glass.

Not sure if we can measure it? Give us a call and find out.

Do I need to know how many layers a sample has?

No: The OptiGauge does not need to know how many layers there are to measure. It looks for an index of refraction change between layers and displays those as peaks on the screen. The software then measures the distances between these peaks to determine thickness measurements. Custom software is easily written using our OCC Software Tool Kit to provide operator-friendly user interfaces.

What difference in Index of Refraction do two materials need in order for the OptiGauge to see them?

This is a question that depends on the situation, but adjacent layers typically need a refractive index difference of 0.01. Variables such as the specific materials, environmental conditions, extrusion variables, and much more can have an impact on this value. Please contact Lumetrics to discuss your specific situation.

Can the OptiGauge measure a surface profile?

Yes: The OptiGauge can measure a surface profile through the use of an internal reference surface. A surface profile can be done at the same time the OptiGauge is measuring the thickness of a sample.

Can the OptiGauge measure wet materials?

Yes: The OptiGauge can measure wet materials. The OptiGauge can measure both wet and dry materials. Additionally, the OptiGauge can measure solid objects, such as lenses, in a solution.

How does the OptiGauge report measurement information?

The OptiGauge displays real-time information both in graphical and numerical forms. An easy-to-interpret waveform provides user feedback for signal strength. This information can also be saved to an Excel-readable format, streamed out an RS-232 or Ethernet port.

Specifications
What is the measurement range of the OptiGauge?
  • The OptiGauge II measures from 12 microns to 16 mm based on material refractive index
  • The OptiGauge LT measures from 12 microns to 5 mm based on material refractive index
  • The OptiGauge EMS measures from 12 microns to 50 mm based on material refractive index
Can the OptiGauge measure a sample thinner than 12 microns?

Maybe: The thinnest individual layer the OptiGauge can measure is 12 microns (at an index of refraction of 1.5). The OptiGauge can measure a difference in thickness smaller than 12 microns. For example, if the OptiGauge measured a part at 200 microns thick and you applied a 5 micron coating to the part, the OptiGauge could measure 205 microns and then calculate the coating thickness.

Talk to Lumetrics if you have questions on measurement capabilities.

How many layers can the OptiGauge measure?

1 – 20: OptiGauge software is set up to measure up to 20 layers. Need more than that? Let us know, and we can adapt the software to suit your needs.

What is the accuracy of the OptiGauge?

The OptiGauge has an accuracy of 0.1 microns.

How do you verify the accuracy of the OptiGauge?

The OptiGauge is calibrated using a NIST-traceable standard. See paper on NIST traceability.

As part of its basic design, the OptiGauge is being continuously calibrated with a 1550 nm laser that is temperature and current regulated. Additionally, Lumetrics provides a verification standard that can be used at any time to verify that the OptiGauge is still measuring within its correct parameters.

How many measurements can the OptiGauge make? How fast is it?

The standard OptiGauge makes 50 measurements per second. A standard system can be made to run at up to 200 measurements per second, but the rate of measurement impacts the thickness of the material that can be measured. For example, a 200-measurement system can only measure a material with 5 mm optical thickness (approximately 3.3 mm thick.)

Probes
What are the characteristics of the probes? Spot size, Focal length, Depth of focus? Lumetrics has 4 standard probes but can custom design other probes with our in-house optical expertise. Our four standard probes have standoff distances that range from approximately 20 mm to 90 mm. The spot size and depth of focus are functions of the optical designs. Please contact Lumetrics for specifications for Lumetrics’ standard probes and custom probe designs. Please see probe specifications.
Can a system have more than 1 probe?

Yes: The OptiGauge can be connected to up to eight probes through the use of an optional optical switch.

What is the time to switch from probe to probe?

Switch time from one probe to the next is approximately 100 milliseconds. This includes the signal settling time.

IP + Patents

We’re proud to play a small part in helping improve precision and quality in the field of ophthalmics. Our patents in this field center around:

  • Evaluation of optical elements
  • Wavefront sensing
  • Interferometric measurement methods
  • Measuring and mapping 3D structures
  • Metrology of surface flatness and nanotopology of materials

 

Browse our list of intellectual property below.
  • Non-Contact Thickness Measurement
  • Crystal Wave
  • ClearWave Plus
  • CLAS-NX

Lumetrics, Inc. Non-contact Thickness Measurement Intellectual Property

Patent # Date Issued Title Description
11,215,444 1/4/2022 Apparatus and method for measurement of multilayer structures A method of identifying the material and determining the physical thickness of each layer in a multilayer structure is disclosed.
10,761,021 9/1/2020 Apparatus and method for measurement of multilayer structures A method of identifying the material and determining the physical thickness of each layer in a multilayer structure is disclosed.
10,190,977 1/29/2019 Method of measurement of multilayer structures A method of identifying the material and determining the physical thickness of each layer in a multilayer structure is disclosed.
10,006,754 6/26/2018 Associated interferometers using multi-fiber optic delay lines An interferometer apparatus which include two or more coupled fiber optic Michelson interferometers using fiber optic stretches which stretch two or more optical fibers wound around the perimeter of the optical fiber stretchers by the same amount is disclosed.
9,958,355 5/1/2018 Apparatus and method for evaluation of optical elements An apparatus for measuring the optical performance characteristics and dimensions of an optical element comprising a low coherence interferometer and a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor comprising a light source, a plurality of lenslets, and a sensor array is disclosed.
9,506,837 11/29/2016 Topic intraocular lens measurement apparatus and method An apparatus for determining the angular error in the placement of fiducial marks on a toric intraocular lens with respect to the true location of a meridional axis of the intraocular lens, the fiducial marks defining an estimate of the angular orientation of the meridional axis of the intraocular is disclosed.
9,448,058 9/20/2016 Associated interferometers using multi-fiber optic delay lines An interferometer apparatus which include two or more coupled fiber optic Michelson interferometers using fiber optic stretches which stretch two or more optical fibers wound around the perimeter of the optical fiber stretchers by the same amount is disclosed.
9,341,541 5/17/2016 Apparatus and method for evaluation of optical elements An apparatus for measuring the optical performance characteristics and dimensions of an optical element comprising a low coherence interferometer and a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor comprising a light source, a plurality of lenslets, and a sensor array is disclosed.
9,019,485 4/28/2015 Apparatus and method for evaluation of optical elements An apparatus for measuring the optical performance characteristics and dimensions of an optical element comprising a low coherence interferometer and a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor comprising a light source, a plurality of lenslets, and a sensor array is disclosed.
8,836,778 9/16/2014 Portable fundus camera A portable hand-held camera for imaging the fundus of an eye, the camera comprising a housing comprising an internal cavity terminating at a forward housing end, a forward lens, and a light source configured to direct light from locations distributed around the perimeter of the forward lens forwardly out of the housing end.
8,610,889 12/17/2013 Rotational and linear system and methods for scanning of objects A scanning system comprised of a multi-axis drive module comprised of a first linear drive operable along a first axis, a second linear drive joined to the first linear drive and operable along a second axis non-parallel to the first axis, and a first rotary drive mounted on the second linear drive, operable around an axis parallel to the first axis, and comprised of a rotary fixture for holding the object.
8,279,446 10/2/2012 Fiber-based interferometric device for measuring axial dimensions of a human eye An apparatus for measuring a layered object comprising a low coherence light source, a coherent light source, and an interferometer including a reference arm and a measurement arm. The reference arm is comprised of a first section of polarization maintaining optical fiber engaged with a first fiber stretcher. The measurement arm is comprised of a second section of polarization maintaining optical fiber engaged with a second fiber stretcher.

8,199,329

6/12/2012 Apparatus for measurement of the axial length of an eye An apparatus for measuring the axial length of a human eye, the apparatus comprising a low coherence light source; a beam splitter; a fast displacement module for rapidly varying the path length within a reference arm of an interferometer; a laser directing a laser beam that is co-propagating with light from the low coherence light source into the displacement module.

7,884,996

2/8/2011 Apparatus for measurement of the axial length of an eye  An apparatus for measuring the axial length of a human eye, the apparatus comprising a low coherence light source; a beam splitter; a fast displacement module for rapidly varying the path length within a reference arm of an interferometer; a laser directing a laser beam that is co-propagating with light from the low coherence light source into the displacement module.

7,206,076

4/17/2007 Thickness measurement of moving webs and seal integrity system using dual interferometer A system and method for measuring the thickness of materials and coatings across a moving length of material such as sheet, film, or web by the use of non-contact optical interferometry is provided.

The CrystalWave product is used to measure an intraocular lens in the manufacturing process.

Patent # Expiration Date Title Description
7,078,665 7/9/2023 System and method of wavefront sensing for determining a location of focal spot A computational method for finding a centroid
6,819,413 8/29/2023 Method and system for sensing and analyzing a wavefront of an optically transmissive system A Shack Hartmann device for sensing a wavefront of light passed through an optical device
7,455,407 4/21/2024 System and method of measuring and mapping three-dimensional structures A system for measuring an optical characteristic of an optically transmissive object
7,122,774 9/19/2025 System and method of wavefront sensing Method for finding the center of the focal spot in a detector array
9,506,837 4/16/2034 Apparatus and method for determining angular error in placement of fiducial marks on a toric intraocular lens An apparatus for determining the angular error in the placement of fiducial marks on an intraocular lens with respect to the true location of a meridional axis of the intraocular lens

**Download our complete list of intellectual property 

Lumetrics has designed and launched this product that combines the capability of an OptiGauge along with a wavefront sensor.

Patent # Expiration Date Title Description
7,078,665 7/9/2023 System and method of wavefront sensing for determining a location of focal spot A computational method for finding a centroid
6,819,413 8/29/2023 Method and system for sensing and analyzing a wavefront of an optically transmissive system A Shack Hartmann device for sensing a wavefront of light passed through an optical device
7,455,407 4/21/2024 System and method of measuring and mapping three-dimensional structures Method for testing optically transparent optics using wavefront sensor.
7,122,774 9/19/2025 System and method of wavefront sensing Method for finding the center of the focal spot in a detector array
7,335,867 4/21/2026 Method of wavefront sensing by mapping boundaries of a lenslet array onto a grid of pixels Method for reconstructing a wavefront from the Shack Hartmann gradient data
8,118,429 10/28/2028 Systems and methods of phase diversity wavefront sensing Method measuring an optic that changes power in time
9,019,485 3/31/2033 Apparatus and Method for Evaluation of Optical Elements Apparatus and method comprising a low-coherence interferometer and wavefront sensor to measure properties of an optical element, 25 claims
9,341,541 3/31/2033 Apparatus and Method for Evaluation of Optical Elements Apparatus and method comprising a low-coherence interferometer and wavefront sensor to measure properties of an optical element, 11 claims

**Download our complete list of intellectual property 

Lumetrics has developed a new wavefront camera and control software that combines a current interface with current Windows compatibility.
  • Custom X/Y automated scanning system with manual Z probe mount with tip/tilt capability
  • 1–50 mm probe
  • Custom user interface using OptiGauge Control Center Tool Kit

Patent # Expiration Date Title Description
7,078,665 7/9/2023 System and method of wavefront sensing for determining the location of focal spot A system and computational method for finding a centroid
7,455,407 4/21/2024 System and method of measuring and mapping three-dimensional structures A system for measuring an optical characteristic of an optically transmissive object
7,122,774 9/19/2025 System and method of wavefront sensing Method of estimating a location of a center of a focal spot on a detector array comprising a plurality of lenslets and a plurality of pixels adapted to receive light from the plurality of lenslets
7,335,867 4/21/2026 Method of wavefront sensing by mapping boundaries of a lenslet array onto a grid of pixels Method for using focal spots in calculating the wavefront
7,553,022 7/27/2027 System and method of measuring and mapping three-dimensional structures A system comprised of a projecting optical system adapted to project light onto an object
8,118,429 10/28/2028 Systems and methods of phase diversity wavefront sensing A system for measuring an optic that changes power in time
7,988,292 5/29/2029 System and method of measuring and mapping three-dimensional structures A system comprised of a projecting optical system adapted to project light onto an object; a pre-correction system adapted to compensate a light beam to be projected onto the object for at least one aberration in the object
2016/0252425 A1 3/11/2033 Apparatus and Method for Evaluation of Optical Elements Continuation of 9,341,541
9,019,485 3/31/2033 Apparatus and Method for Evaluation of Optical Elements Apparatus and method comprising a low coherence interferometer and wavefront sensor to measure properties of an optical element, 25 claims
9,341,541 3/31/2033 Apparatus and Method for Evaluation of Optical Elements Apparatus and method comprising a low-coherence interferometer and wavefront sensor to measure properties of an optical element, 11 claims

**Download our complete list of intellectual property 

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