Vision chromatic confocal sensor based on a geometrical phase lens.

Area of Science:

• Optics and Photonics
• Metrology
• Sensor Technology

Background:

• Chromatic confocal microscopy offers non-contact measurement capabilities.
• Traditional chromatic confocal systems often require complex optical setups.
• Integrating beam splitting and chromatic aberration induction simplifies sensor design.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose and experimentally validate a vision chromatic confocal sensor.
• To demonstrate the sensor's capability for distance sensing and point monitoring.
• To utilize a geometric phase lens for both chromatic aberration and beam splitting.

Main Methods:

• A geometric phase lens was employed to induce chromatic aberration and act as a beam splitter.
• A focused beam configuration was used for the confocal sensor.
• A diverging beam was utilized for specimen imaging.
• Experimental verification involved distance sensing and point monitoring tests.

Main Results:

• The proposed vision chromatic confocal sensor was experimentally verified.
• The system demonstrated effective distance sensing and point monitoring capabilities.
• A measuring range of approximately 10 mm was achieved.
• A repeatability of 0.4 µm was obtained using a 75 mm focal length geometric phase lens.

Conclusions:

• The developed vision chromatic confocal sensor is effective for precise distance and position measurements.
• The integration of a geometric phase lens simplifies the optical design while maintaining performance.
• The sensor shows potential for applications requiring high-accuracy, non-contact metrology.