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Micro Epsilon announced new white light interferometer for absolute distance measurement

Our partner Micro Epsilon announced the new white light interferometer IMS5600-DS, which is used for distance measurements with highest precision. The controller offers a special calibration with intelligent evaluation and enables absolute measurements with subnanometre resolution. The interferometer is used for measurement tasks with the highest accuracy requirements, e.g., in electronics and semiconductor production.


Fig 1: The new white light interferometer IMS5600-DS from Micro Epsilon ( Copyright Micro-Epsilon, 2022)



The key features are:

  • Distance measurement with subnanometre precision

  • Best-in-Class: Resolution < 30 picometres

  • Absolute measurement, suitable for step profiles

  • Compact and robust sensors with large offset distance

  • Measuring rate up to 6 kHz for high speed measurements

  • Easy configuration via web interface

  • Sensors and cables suitable for vacuum


Absolute distance measurement with large measuring range and offset distance


The IMS5600-DS is used for high-precision displacement and distance measurements. The system provides absolute measurement values and can therefore also be used for distance measurement of step profiles. Thanks to the absolute measurement, steps are sampled with high signal stability. When measuring on moving objects, the differences in height of heels, steps and depressions can thus be reliably detected. The measuring system offers sub-nanometre resolution with a large offset distance in relation to the measuring range.


Multi-peak distance measurement


With multi-peak distance measurement on transparent objects, up to 14 distance values are evaluated simultaneously. For example, the distance between glass and a carrier plate can be determined. The controller can then calculate the glass thickness from the distance values.


Designed for high-resolution distance measurements in vacuum


IMS5600-DS interferometers can be used for measurement tasks in vacuum environments and clean rooms where the interferometers achieve a resolution in the subnanometre range. For vacuum applications, Micro-Epsilon offers special sensors, cables and feed-through accessories. These sensors and cables are particle-free to a high degree and can be used from clean rooms to UHV.


Stable distance measurements with highest precision


The controller can be installed in the control cabinet via DIN rail mounting and provides very stable measurement results thanks to active temperature compensation and passive cooling. These compact sensors are extremely space-saving and have highly flexible fibre optic cables. Cable lengths up to 10 m allow a spatial separation of sensor and controller. The sensor can be aligned easily and quickly due to the integrated pilot laser. Commissioning and parameterisation are conveniently performed via web interface and do not require any software installation.


Modern interfaces for integration into machines and systems


The controller offers integrated interfaces such as Ethernet, EtherCAT and RS422 as well as additional encoder connections, analog outputs, synchronization inputs and digital I/Os. When you use Micro-Epsilon's interface modules, PROFINET and EthernetIP are available. This allows the interferometer to be integrated into all control systems and production programs.


For more information visit our partner website.

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