Stoneleigh, UK, October 14, 2003. Arden Photonics will introduce a new metrology technology developed by leading European R&D organizer QinetiQ. The new range of instruments is being made available to researchers and manufacturers of optical components and assemblies, hard discs, contact lenses and precision mechanical components.
The move sees Arden Photonics expanding into the optical metrology market. Arden will be showing - in conjunction with the Photonics Cluster - the AWS-50 range of wavefront sensors for measuring the form of lenses, flatness of mirrors and other optical components, as well as surface shape of silicon substrates and optics.
At the heart of the AWS-50 wavefront sensor is an IMP(Image MultiPlexing) diffraction grating designed by QinetiQ, who are based at Malvern in Worcestershire. The two companies reached an agreement allowing Arden Photonics to exploit their novel technology, which was developed for use in atmospheric adaptive optics, in other target markets. The IMP diffraction grating works by imaging two separate planes of the wavefront onto a CCD array. From this information, Zernike polynomials can be calculated or the entire wavefront reconstructed. The measurement of the wavefront is therefore performed in real time, does not require a coherent light source and is not sensitive to vibration that is a drawback of the traditional interferometric systems.
David Robinson of Arden Photonics said "This technology offers a robust, real time wavefront measurement method which we expect to bring valuable benefits to the industry. It will enable manufacturers of a wide range of precision optical and mechanical products to improve quality by taking high accuracy measurements wherever they are needed.
"It marks another step forward for Arden and its growing reputation in the Photonics industry and we are looking forward to taking the AWS-50 to the market place - starting tomorrow".
Arden Photonics Ltd provides innovative products and services to the Photonics industry throughout the world. As well as optical metrology, the company is focused on optical fiber instrumentation, interferometry and beam profiling; preparation and handling equipment such as stripping, cleaning, cleaving; design and marketing consultancy for the Photonics industry.
QinetiQ is Europe's largest science and technology organization. Formerly an agency of the MOD, the company has a distinguished heritage as a leading provider of technology solutions and a supplier of impartial and trusted advice.
For more information, visit: www.ardenphotonics.com
Laser Focus World