Polarization Adds  New Perspectives to Optical Inspection

Polarization is a wave phenomenon of light which until recently had not garnered much notice in metrology apart from some works in photoelasticity. As a tool  for modelling-based design, it found industries such as GE and Boeing adopting this technology before the advent of computers and finite element simulations provided better options. The challenge for photoelasticity was that a plastic (epoxy or polycarbonate) model had to be tested which could not be readily translated to different materials in the real structure. The exception was stress concentration factors for which the standards were based on photoelastic results.  

The current proliferation of novel advanced manufacturing process used in optical, medical and microfluidics industries. Coupled with advances in polarization components and imaging technologies have brought Polariscopes to the forefront. 

We at d'Optron have researched extensively in this area with applications ranging from optical birefringence testing to residual stress in Si-wafers and more recently micro, diffractive and flat optics testing and inspection.

In this newsletter, we showcase our d'Polariscope which can be used for real-time testing and inspection of injection molded components. We also highlight the u d'Polariscope which is used for testing and inspection of micro and diffractive optics structures. Finally our new research idea on a Hue based Polariscope.