Highly-sensitive and high-resolution all-fiber three-dimensional measurement system.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Metrology
• Fiber Optics

Background:

• Traditional 3D measurement systems often face limitations in sensitivity, resolution, and scanning range.
• The need for non-contact, high-precision metrology in various industrial and scientific applications is growing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate a practical all-fiber three-dimensional (3D) measurement system.
• To evaluate the system's performance in terms of sensitivity, axial resolution, scanning range, and speed.
• To assess the system's applicability for measuring small objects with high fidelity.

Main Methods:

• Development of an all-fiber incoherent interferometer operating at an eye-safe wavelength (1.55 µm).
• Implementation of a rotating scanner for axial scanning, enabling a wide longitudinal scanning range.
• Acquisition and analysis of high-resolution 3D images of various samples, including a 100 yen Japanese coin.

Main Results:

• Achieved high sensitivity of 102 dB and axial resolution of 1.4 µm from several meters.
• Demonstrated a wide longitudinal scanning range of 54 mm.
• Obtained high-resolution images of samples at a measurement speed of 52 points/s.
• Evaluated performance metrics including resolution, sensitivity, speed, and angle dependence.

Conclusions:

• The demonstrated all-fiber incoherent interferometer system offers a practical solution for high-performance 3D measurements.
• The system exhibits excellent sensitivity, resolution, and scanning capabilities, suitable for diverse applications.
• The study validates the system's effectiveness for detailed metrology of small objects, even with variations in surface angle.