Clear Film Thickness Measurement Posted in: Confocal Displacement Sensors – Tags: Confocal Sensors, Thickness Measurement
Last Updated: March 20, 2023
One of Acuity’s existing customers wanted to be able to measure the thickness of a clear and semi-transparent film online. The customer wanted to hold an accuracy of better than 1 microns as the film moved on a web at 25 feet a minute.
By using the white light confocal chromatic CL4 MG35 probe on a CCS Prima controller, the customer was able to hold +/- 0.6 microns of thickness accuracy with the controller set to take 1,000 samples per second and a data point every 0.005″ along the film’s length. The white light confocal unit is able to measure the front face and back face of the film from one side and provide 2 data points. The difference between the 2 data points is the thickness of the film.
By setting the Index of Refraction we can provide a very accurate measurement. Also since the two data points are in reference to one another, the slight vibration and movement of the film does not change the thickness measurement. The added advantage of the white light confocal sensor is that it uses a passive probe that does not have any electronics or moving parts so the measurement is much more stable.
If we can answer any of your questions on the white light confocal chromatic systems please contact Acuity Laser.
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ZENITH Confocal Measurement System Controller
The Zenith controller is a next generation solution for non-contact, confocal measurements. Paired with a confocal pen, the Zenith controller can take measurements of unrivaled accuracy on surfaces where lasers struggle. Depending on the confocal pen chosen, the Zenith controller can take measurements with errors as low as +/- 35 nanometers. A new Dual Channel version can support two pens for simultaneous, synchronized measurement perfect for thickness applications.
Sarah has been our technical support and sales engineer for 5+ years. If you've ever reached out to Acuity Laser for tech support, more than likely, Sarah is the one who helped you.