| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 2.5 mm |
| Start of measurement range appr. | 2.5 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
Confocal sensors
Confocal sensor includes a range of optical measurement techniques (distance measurement, imaging techniques, profilometry) based on the confocal principle: Two optical systems or beam paths are confocal if they have a common focal point.
Most often, confocal technology uses very small luminous and field-of-view apertures, also called pinholes, that are only a few micrometers in size. They limit the illuminated area on the object and the field of view of the observing optics to a spot whose size is ideally determined by the diffraction-related resolution limit of the image. The illumination beam path and the observation beam path are thus confocal.
... Read more
Most often, confocal technology uses very small luminous and field-of-view apertures, also called pinholes, that are only a few micrometers in size. They limit the illuminated area on the object and the field of view of the observing optics to a spot whose size is ideally determined by the diffraction-related resolution limit of the image. The illumination beam path and the observation beam path are thus confocal.
... Read more
1 - 20 / 37
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 0.4 mm |
| Start of measurement range appr. | 0.4 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 1.5 mm |
| Start of measurement range appr. | 1.5 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 1.5 mm |
| Start of measurement range appr. | 1.5 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 3.5 mm |
| Start of measurement range appr. | 3.5 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 1.5 mm |
| Start of measurement range appr. | 1.5 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 1.5 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 10 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 6 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 10 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 5.9 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 4 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 1 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 30 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 2.5 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 0.3 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 4 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 2 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 0.3 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
| Applications | Smart Factory Mechanical engineering & Plant construction Metal industry Semiconductor industry |
| End of Measurement range | 6 mm |
| Sensor type | Fiber Optic Proximity Sensor |
| Optical technology type | Convergent |
The confocal technique is a point-by-point measuring method. If this measuring point is passed through a measuring volume in all three spatial dimensions, a three-dimensional image of the volume is obtained with sub-micrometer resolution. In the case of transparent samples, such as those frequently examined in biology, this produces a three-dimensional image of the tissue structure. For opaque and reflective samples, a high-resolution representation of the surface can be calculated from this volume image.
What are confocal sensors and how do they work?
Confocal sensors are optical measuring devices that are used for non-contact surface measurement. They work on the basis of the confocal principle, which is based on the use of laser light.
The confocal sensor consists of a light source, a microscope objective, a pinhole (a small hole or slit) and a detector. The laser light is focused through the microscope objective onto the surface to be measured. Since the pinhole only accepts the light that is reflected back exactly onto the focal point of the lens, the light from other planes of the surface is blocked.
The detector measures the intensity of the reflected light and generates a signal that is proportional to the distance of the surface. By measuring the intensity of the reflected light at different positions, the confocal sensor can generate a high-resolution 3D representation of the surface.
The advantages of confocal sensors lie in their high resolution, accuracy and reproducibility. They are widely used in various applications, including the measurement of roughness, thickness, topography and shape of surfaces in areas such as quality control, manufacturing and materials science.
The confocal sensor consists of a light source, a microscope objective, a pinhole (a small hole or slit) and a detector. The laser light is focused through the microscope objective onto the surface to be measured. Since the pinhole only accepts the light that is reflected back exactly onto the focal point of the lens, the light from other planes of the surface is blocked.
The detector measures the intensity of the reflected light and generates a signal that is proportional to the distance of the surface. By measuring the intensity of the reflected light at different positions, the confocal sensor can generate a high-resolution 3D representation of the surface.
The advantages of confocal sensors lie in their high resolution, accuracy and reproducibility. They are widely used in various applications, including the measurement of roughness, thickness, topography and shape of surfaces in areas such as quality control, manufacturing and materials science.
What advantages do confocal sensors offer compared to other measurement methods?
Confocal sensors offer several advantages compared to other measurement methods:
1. High resolution: Confocal sensors have a high lateral and axial resolution, which makes it possible to precisely measure small details and surface structures.
2. Large measuring range: Confocal sensors can be used at both micro and macro levels and have a large measuring range, which can extend from sub-micrometers to several millimeters.
3. Non-invasive: Confocal sensors measure without contact and are therefore suitable for sensitive surfaces or fragile materials. There is no risk of damage or contamination.
4. Real-time measurement: Confocal sensors provide real-time data, which means that measurements can be taken quickly and continuously. This is particularly advantageous in applications where fast reactions are required or objects are in motion.
5. Versatility: Confocal sensors can be used in various applications, such as in the semiconductor industry, medical technology, material control and metrology. You can measure various surface properties such as roughness, topography, thickness, distance and layer structure.
6. Low sensitivity to ambient conditions: Confocal sensors are less sensitive to environmental conditions such as lighting or vibrations compared to other measurement methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT).
7. Easy handling: Confocal sensors are generally compact and easy to use. They do not require complex adjustments or extensive calibrations.
These advantages make confocal sensors an attractive choice for precision measurements and surface inspections in various industrial sectors.
1. High resolution: Confocal sensors have a high lateral and axial resolution, which makes it possible to precisely measure small details and surface structures.
2. Large measuring range: Confocal sensors can be used at both micro and macro levels and have a large measuring range, which can extend from sub-micrometers to several millimeters.
3. Non-invasive: Confocal sensors measure without contact and are therefore suitable for sensitive surfaces or fragile materials. There is no risk of damage or contamination.
4. Real-time measurement: Confocal sensors provide real-time data, which means that measurements can be taken quickly and continuously. This is particularly advantageous in applications where fast reactions are required or objects are in motion.
5. Versatility: Confocal sensors can be used in various applications, such as in the semiconductor industry, medical technology, material control and metrology. You can measure various surface properties such as roughness, topography, thickness, distance and layer structure.
6. Low sensitivity to ambient conditions: Confocal sensors are less sensitive to environmental conditions such as lighting or vibrations compared to other measurement methods such as optical coherence tomography (OCT).
7. Easy handling: Confocal sensors are generally compact and easy to use. They do not require complex adjustments or extensive calibrations.
These advantages make confocal sensors an attractive choice for precision measurements and surface inspections in various industrial sectors.
How are confocal sensors used in industry?
Confocal sensors are used in various industrial applications. Here are some examples:
1. Surface inspection: Confocal sensors can be used to check the surface quality of products. You can detect the smallest unevenness, scratches or damage on the surface. This is particularly important in sectors such as the automotive industry or electronics production, where the quality of surfaces is crucial.
2. Dimensional measurements: Confocal sensors can also be used for precise dimensional measurements. For example, they can measure the thickness of coatings or layers on products. This is important to ensure that the products meet the given specifications.
3. Distance measurements: Confocal sensors can precisely measure the distance between the sensor and the object to be measured. This is used, for example, to monitor the distance between tools and workpieces in machine processing.
4. Inline quality control: Confocal sensors can be integrated into production lines to enable continuous and rapid quality control. You can carry out measurements in real time and automatically trigger an alarm in the event of deviations or defects.
5. 3D imaging: Confocal sensors can also create 3D images of objects. This is useful for analyzing complex shapes and structures or for accurately determining volumes and surfaces.
All in all, confocal sensors offer precise and reliable measurement technology in various branches of industry. They help to improve the quality of products, minimize errors and increase the efficiency of production processes.
1. Surface inspection: Confocal sensors can be used to check the surface quality of products. You can detect the smallest unevenness, scratches or damage on the surface. This is particularly important in sectors such as the automotive industry or electronics production, where the quality of surfaces is crucial.
2. Dimensional measurements: Confocal sensors can also be used for precise dimensional measurements. For example, they can measure the thickness of coatings or layers on products. This is important to ensure that the products meet the given specifications.
3. Distance measurements: Confocal sensors can precisely measure the distance between the sensor and the object to be measured. This is used, for example, to monitor the distance between tools and workpieces in machine processing.
4. Inline quality control: Confocal sensors can be integrated into production lines to enable continuous and rapid quality control. You can carry out measurements in real time and automatically trigger an alarm in the event of deviations or defects.
5. 3D imaging: Confocal sensors can also create 3D images of objects. This is useful for analyzing complex shapes and structures or for accurately determining volumes and surfaces.
All in all, confocal sensors offer precise and reliable measurement technology in various branches of industry. They help to improve the quality of products, minimize errors and increase the efficiency of production processes.
Which measured variables can confocal sensors detect?
Confocal sensors can record various measured variables, including
1. Distance: Confocal sensors can measure the distance between the sensor and the target. They use the reflected light intensity to determine the position of the measured object.
2. Surface roughness: Confocal sensors can measure the roughness of surfaces by analyzing the intensity of the reflected light. This allows the structure of the surface to be recorded.
3. Topography: Confocal sensors can measure the three-dimensional topography of objects by analyzing the height and shape of the surface. This allows unevenness or contours to be detected, for example.
4. Layer thickness: Confocal sensors can measure the thickness of layers or coatings by analyzing the intensity of the reflected light. This allows, for example, the thickness of paints, films or coatings on certain materials to be determined.
5. Diameter: Confocal sensors can measure the diameter of objects by analyzing the intensity of the reflected light. This allows boreholes or cavities to be measured, for example.
It is important to note that the exact measurands that a confocal sensor can detect depend on the specific attributes of the sensor and its application.
1. Distance: Confocal sensors can measure the distance between the sensor and the target. They use the reflected light intensity to determine the position of the measured object.
2. Surface roughness: Confocal sensors can measure the roughness of surfaces by analyzing the intensity of the reflected light. This allows the structure of the surface to be recorded.
3. Topography: Confocal sensors can measure the three-dimensional topography of objects by analyzing the height and shape of the surface. This allows unevenness or contours to be detected, for example.
4. Layer thickness: Confocal sensors can measure the thickness of layers or coatings by analyzing the intensity of the reflected light. This allows, for example, the thickness of paints, films or coatings on certain materials to be determined.
5. Diameter: Confocal sensors can measure the diameter of objects by analyzing the intensity of the reflected light. This allows boreholes or cavities to be measured, for example.
It is important to note that the exact measurands that a confocal sensor can detect depend on the specific attributes of the sensor and its application.
What challenges are there when using confocal sensors?
There are various challenges when using confocal sensors. Some of them are:
1. Surface finish: Confocal sensors are sensitive to surface roughness and unevenness. If the surface is too rough or too uneven, the sensors may not be able to take precise measurements.
2. Reflections: Confocal sensors work with the aid of laser light. If the laser light is strongly reflected, this can influence the measurement results. This occurs in particular if the surface of the measured object is reflective.
3. Materials: Confocal sensors cannot measure all materials equally well. Transparent or highly absorbent materials can affect the accuracy of the measurements.
4. Measuring speed: Confocal sensors usually require a certain amount of time to perform accurate measurements. This can be a problem if fast and continuous measurements are required.
5. Calibration and adjustment: Confocal sensors must be calibrated and adjusted regularly to ensure accurate measurement results. This requires specialist knowledge and can be time-consuming.
6. Costs: Confocal sensors can be relatively expensive, especially if they are required for special applications or in large quantities.
These challenges can limit the application of confocal sensors and require careful planning and optimization to achieve accurate and reliable measurement results.
1. Surface finish: Confocal sensors are sensitive to surface roughness and unevenness. If the surface is too rough or too uneven, the sensors may not be able to take precise measurements.
2. Reflections: Confocal sensors work with the aid of laser light. If the laser light is strongly reflected, this can influence the measurement results. This occurs in particular if the surface of the measured object is reflective.
3. Materials: Confocal sensors cannot measure all materials equally well. Transparent or highly absorbent materials can affect the accuracy of the measurements.
4. Measuring speed: Confocal sensors usually require a certain amount of time to perform accurate measurements. This can be a problem if fast and continuous measurements are required.
5. Calibration and adjustment: Confocal sensors must be calibrated and adjusted regularly to ensure accurate measurement results. This requires specialist knowledge and can be time-consuming.
6. Costs: Confocal sensors can be relatively expensive, especially if they are required for special applications or in large quantities.
These challenges can limit the application of confocal sensors and require careful planning and optimization to achieve accurate and reliable measurement results.
Which industries particularly benefit from confocal sensors?
Confocal sensors are used in various industries and can be particularly profitable in the following areas:
1. Medical imaging: Confocal sensors enable high-resolution imaging of biological tissue, which is advantageous in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as skin cancer, eye diseases or neurological disorders.
2. Automotive industry: Confocal sensors can be used for quality control of surfaces and coatings in automotive production. They enable precise measurement of roughness, thickness, wear or damage to paints, metals and other materials.
3. semiconductor industry: In semiconductor production, confocal sensors are used for high-precision measurement of layer thicknesses, unevenness or structure quality. This is crucial for quality assurance and optimization of the manufacturing processes.
4. Microscopy and nanotechnology: Confocal sensors enable high-resolution and three-dimensional imaging of micro- and nanostructures. This is important for the research and development of new materials, components and technologies.
5. Optical industry: In the manufacture of optical components such as lenses, mirrors or prisms, confocal sensors can be used to measure surface quality, shape accuracy or deviations. This enables high precision and quality of the optical components.
6. Food industry: Confocal sensors can be used to examine the surface properties and quality of food. This can be helpful, for example, when checking fruit, vegetables or baked goods to assess ripeness, freshness or damage.
It is important to note that confocal sensors can be used in many other industries and applications, as they enable highly precise and non-destructive measurement of surfaces and structures.
1. Medical imaging: Confocal sensors enable high-resolution imaging of biological tissue, which is advantageous in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases such as skin cancer, eye diseases or neurological disorders.
2. Automotive industry: Confocal sensors can be used for quality control of surfaces and coatings in automotive production. They enable precise measurement of roughness, thickness, wear or damage to paints, metals and other materials.
3. semiconductor industry: In semiconductor production, confocal sensors are used for high-precision measurement of layer thicknesses, unevenness or structure quality. This is crucial for quality assurance and optimization of the manufacturing processes.
4. Microscopy and nanotechnology: Confocal sensors enable high-resolution and three-dimensional imaging of micro- and nanostructures. This is important for the research and development of new materials, components and technologies.
5. Optical industry: In the manufacture of optical components such as lenses, mirrors or prisms, confocal sensors can be used to measure surface quality, shape accuracy or deviations. This enables high precision and quality of the optical components.
6. Food industry: Confocal sensors can be used to examine the surface properties and quality of food. This can be helpful, for example, when checking fruit, vegetables or baked goods to assess ripeness, freshness or damage.
It is important to note that confocal sensors can be used in many other industries and applications, as they enable highly precise and non-destructive measurement of surfaces and structures.
How accurate are the measurement results of confocal sensors?
The measurement results from confocal sensors are generally very accurate. Confocal sensors use a laser light source and special optics to generate a sharp image of the surface of an object. Only the light that is reflected by a certain layer of the object is reflected, while the light from other layers of the object is filtered out.
This focusing enables precise depth measurement and high lateral resolution. Confocal sensors can perform measurements in the micrometer range and are therefore very accurate. The accuracy can vary depending on the sensor and application, but is usually in the range of a few micrometers.
However, it should be noted that the accuracy can also be influenced by other factors such as the surface quality of the object, the ambient temperature and the stability of the measuring conditions. It is therefore important to carry out the measurements under controlled conditions and, if necessary, to carry out calibrations in order to achieve the best results.
This focusing enables precise depth measurement and high lateral resolution. Confocal sensors can perform measurements in the micrometer range and are therefore very accurate. The accuracy can vary depending on the sensor and application, but is usually in the range of a few micrometers.
However, it should be noted that the accuracy can also be influenced by other factors such as the surface quality of the object, the ambient temperature and the stability of the measuring conditions. It is therefore important to carry out the measurements under controlled conditions and, if necessary, to carry out calibrations in order to achieve the best results.
What developments and innovations are there in the field of confocal sensors?
There are various developments and innovations in the field of confocal sensors that lead to improved performance and new applications. Some of them are:
1. Miniaturization: Confocal sensors are becoming smaller and more compact, which facilitates their integration into various systems and applications. Miniaturized sensors can be used in medical devices or robotics, for example.
2. High-resolution sensors: By improving detector technology and optical components, confocal sensors can offer higher resolution and accuracy. This enables more precise measurements and the detection of the smallest surface defects.
3. Multi-channel sensors: Confocal sensors with multiple channels enable the simultaneous measurement of several surface profiles. This enables faster data acquisition and greater efficiency in quality control.
4. Real-time measurements: Advances in electronics and signal processing enable confocal sensors to perform measurements in real time. This is particularly useful in applications where fast reactions are required, such as robotics or process monitoring.
5. Integrated sensor systems: Confocal sensors are increasingly being used in integrated systems which, in addition to surface measurement, also offer other functions such as temperature measurement or chemical analysis. These integrated systems enable a more comprehensive characterization of materials or objects.
6. Wireless communication: Confocal sensors are increasingly being equipped with wireless communication technologies to enable easy integration into existing systems. Wireless sensors offer flexibility and mobility in data acquisition and can be used in various applications.
These developments and innovations have expanded and improved the use of confocal sensors in various fields such as medicine, the semiconductor industry, the automotive industry and materials research.
1. Miniaturization: Confocal sensors are becoming smaller and more compact, which facilitates their integration into various systems and applications. Miniaturized sensors can be used in medical devices or robotics, for example.
2. High-resolution sensors: By improving detector technology and optical components, confocal sensors can offer higher resolution and accuracy. This enables more precise measurements and the detection of the smallest surface defects.
3. Multi-channel sensors: Confocal sensors with multiple channels enable the simultaneous measurement of several surface profiles. This enables faster data acquisition and greater efficiency in quality control.
4. Real-time measurements: Advances in electronics and signal processing enable confocal sensors to perform measurements in real time. This is particularly useful in applications where fast reactions are required, such as robotics or process monitoring.
5. Integrated sensor systems: Confocal sensors are increasingly being used in integrated systems which, in addition to surface measurement, also offer other functions such as temperature measurement or chemical analysis. These integrated systems enable a more comprehensive characterization of materials or objects.
6. Wireless communication: Confocal sensors are increasingly being equipped with wireless communication technologies to enable easy integration into existing systems. Wireless sensors offer flexibility and mobility in data acquisition and can be used in various applications.
These developments and innovations have expanded and improved the use of confocal sensors in various fields such as medicine, the semiconductor industry, the automotive industry and materials research.