Sensors / Detectors / Transducers
Laser Nano Sensor measures thickness and roughness.
Press Release Summary:
Using auto focus principles with resolution as fine as 0.7 nm at speeds to 200 kHz, Laser Nano Sensor features spot size of 1-6 microns. It allows for displacement measurement within a few nanometers on quantifying surface roughness of any highly reflective surface. Available in 4 standard models, LNS sensor has measuring range of 0.00016-0.005 in. and operating distance from 0.09-1.0 in. Depending on target, accuracy ranges from 0.022-0.75 nm.
Original Press Release:
New Laser Nano Sensor from LMI Technologies Ideal for High Tech Measurement Applications
Contact: Mike Snow
(770) 888-6586
For Immediate Release
July, 2004
DETROIT, Michigan - LMI Technologies (USA), Inc. has introduced a high speed, high accuracy Laser Nano Sensor with an improved resolution. It features a miniature sensor head and an extremely small spot size for use in small work envelopes in a multitude of high-tech industrial applications ranging from micro-positioning to thickness and roughness measurement.
Using auto focus principles with a resolution as fine as 0.7 nanometers at speeds up to 200kHz, the patented, highly precise LMI Laser Nano Sensor (LNS) has one of the fastest response rates in the industry and a spot size ranging from 1 to 6 micron. This allows for displacement measurement within a few nano meters on quantifying surface roughness of any highly reflective surface such as glass, aluminum, stainless steel or any mirror-type surface that can be positioned perpendicular to the laser beam path.
Besides glass, other applications include use for semi-conductor production, micro-positioning polished components such as silicon wafers, lenses or circuitry, measuring run out of a hard disc drive and quality inspection, vibration measurement, differential thickness measurement and precision switching measurements (any surface).
Available in four standard models, the LNS sensor has a measuring range of from 0.00016 in. to 0.005 in. (4.0 to 130 micrometers) and an operating distances ranging from 0.09 to 1.0 in. (2.3 mm to 26 mm). Depending on the target, accuracy ranges from 0.022 nano meters to 0.75 nano meters.
The sensor includes two high-grade lenses and a specialized miniature Laser Diode Grating Unit (LDGU) which functions as the sending/receiving unit, a holographic Beam Splitter, an electronics housing powered by +-15VDC, analog output on distance and intensity.
The LDGU projects a laser beam on the reflecting material. The reflected light is then split into two separate light spots by the holographic Beam Splitter and focused on a four-part laser diode. When the measured object is precisely at the focal point of the laser beam, spots are projected onto the center of the photo diode couples. When the object moves towards or away from the sensor, it moves outside the focal point, causing the light spots to move inward or outward on the photo diode couples.
The sensors operate in temperatures from 32°F to 120°F (0°C to 50°C). Power is provided by a +/-15 VDC power source. Analog output is +/- 5 VDC of the measurement range.
It's small sensor size - length =2.3. in. (60 mm) x diameter = 0.98 in. (20 mm)-and weight of 3.6 oz. (100 grams) makes it the perfect choice for tight work areas. The sensor can also be used in conjunction with various machines and robots.
"All this power and precision is encased in a sturdy high-impact sensor that can fit in the palm of your hand," noted Mike Snow, Regional Sales MvIanager for LMI Technologies (USA), Inc. "What we are offering is a high speed, extremely precise unit well-suited for high tech and other similar applications requiring a dependable unit for use in a small work envelope."
LMI sensors can be custom-designed for OEM applications.
LMI Technologies (USA), Inc. is part of LMI Technologies, Inc., a world leader of laser-based machine vision sensors for process optimization and control in various industries. The company has more than 40 vision and laser sensor models and over 100 issued and pending patents.
For more information on the new LMI Technologies (USA), Inc. Laser Nano Sensor or any other of the company's laser measurement sensors, contact LMI Technologies (USA), Inc. at 21455 Melrose Ave., Suite 22, Southfield, MI 48075 or call (248) 359-2409, FAX (248) 355-3283 or E-Mail sales@lmint.com.
LMI is on the internet at www.lmint.com.
