High precision contactless measurement of displacements
For high-precision displacement measurements, SmarAct provides the PICOSCALE Interferometer.
- 3 parallel laser interferometers in one instrument for 3D measurements
- Measurement bandwidth up to 2.5 MHz with data sampling at 10 MHz
- Measurements possible on most materials (plastic, glass, metal and even water)
- Wide range of sensor heads available for different applications and environments (including vacuum, cryogenics and radiation-resistant)
- Extendable to a complete laboratory measurement and control instrument with optional modules
- Full API with programming examples for easy integration
- Proven performance with 100s of satisfied customers
Specifications
PICOSCALE Interferometer V2
|
|
|---|---|
| Resolution and Noise | See Specification Sheet |
| Repeatability [nm] | <1 |
|
Accuracy1 [m/m] |
10-6 |
| Long Term Stability2 [nm] | 1, see Application Note |
| Max. Data Rate [MHz] | 10 |
| Maximum Target Velocity [m/s] | 1 |
| Target Reflectivity | 4% - 100% |
| Maximum Working Distance [mm] | 5000 |
| Absolute Position Estimation | 1% of working distance |
| Real-time interfaces | Biss-C, AquadB, serial data |
1 due to wavelength accuracy
2 Working distance 20 mm, ambient conditions, measurement bandwidth 1.2 kHz
Working Principle
All PICOSCALE products are based on a Michelson interferometer. This setup measured displacements by splitting the light of a coherent light source (e.g., a laser) into equal portions. One part, the reference beam, is reflected off a stationary reference mirror. The other part, the probe beam, is reflected off the moving target. Both beams and recombined and based on the optical path length difference between the two parts, the interference pattern changes enabling high-precision displacement measurements using laser and simple optical components.
You can learn more about the Michelson principle and what other techniques we apply to increase the sensitivity and accuracy of the method by visiting our technology section.
Advantages of Michelson Interferometers
Michelson interferometers offer exceptional precision and reliability by splitting and recombining light to measure smallest displacements, vibrations, and refractive changes with nanometer or sub-nanometer accuracy. Their versatility, non-contact operation, and ability to perform in demanding environments like UHV or cryo-temperature make them indispensable for applications in metrology, optics, and advanced research.
Learn more about the advantages compared to other technologies in this article: Advantages of Michelson interferometers compared to other architectures
Precision Metrology, Developed Together
Reliable metrology starts with understanding your application. SmarAct works closely with your team to discuss your setup, requirements and constraints – and to define a measurement concept that fits.
With the PICOSCALE interferometer, you gain more than a precise measurement platform. You gain a trusted engineering partner who supports you from the first conversation to successful integration.