High-speed 3D surface measurement using confocal laser scanning microscopy

A new method provides a 3-dimensional image using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM). This novel approach allows for much faster measurements.

Optical surface measurement methods used for the characterization of micro/nano structures are very well suited for the evaluation of surfaces. These measurement methods are therefore preferably used for non-contact optical measurements in automated test procedures or in the field of quality assurance.

Scientists from the Institute of Interactive Real-Time Systems at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) now succeeded in developing a new method that provides a 3-dimensional image using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM).

This novel approach allows for much faster measurements. Compared to conventional measuring systems, the scanning speed is increased by a factor of several hundred with only a slight impact on the resolution.

Conventional confocal microscopes obtain 3D images by successively scanning individual sample points and then assimilating the detected signals.

Splitting the light into different colors provides a z-stack, i.e. depth data for the 3D image. The two prevailing methods for increasing the scan rates are slit scanning microscopy and programmable array microscopy.

Both methods reduce the scanning frequency by passing the beam over the focal plane in one direction only. Slit scanning microscopes use a slit illumination source to scan the sample repeatedly in a bar or line and capture the signals through a slit aperture.

Programmable array microscopes, by contrast, use MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems) technology to illuminate the object through an array of pinholes that produce illuminated points on the sample surface. This array is used to scan the object in order to collect the data required for imaging.

Instead of additional scanning in the z-direction (axial direction), both technologies can be complemented by chromatic confocal microscopy, taking advantage of the fact that light of different wavelengths has different focal planes along the z-axis to determine object height. Unfortunately, mechanical scanning, which is only one-dimensional, adversely affects the speed of the 3D imaging process in both cases.

The invention developed by Dr. Ding Luo, KIT, enables area scanning by combining the advantages of chromatic confocal microscopy and a new method for 2D surface scanning.

Based on a modified confocal microscope setup, it is possible to scan the surface, whereby the scanning speed is several hundred times faster. The axial uncertainty is increased by a factor of about 2.5, which means that the resolution is only slightly reduced.

A prototype and numerical calculations are available to demonstrate the advantages compared to the state of the art. Since the effect can be simulated, it is possible to calculate the benefits for different microscopy systems.

A patent application for this invention has been filed in Germany and in the United States. On behalf of the Baden-Württemberg Foundation, Technologie-Lizenz-Büro (TLB) GmbH supports the KIT in patenting and marketing its innovation. TLB has been commissioned with the global business implementation of this pioneering technology and offers companies possibilities to cooperate and license the patents.

For more detailed information, please contact Dr.-Ing. Florian Schwabe, Innovation Manager, at schwabe@tlb.de.

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