A wide variety of industries have benefitted from laser metrology applications. Laser metrology helps industries such as semiconductor production and the medical sector measure physical dimensions precisely by using laser beams. There are various methods that laser metrology employs for accurate optical measurements. In this article, we will offer an overview of laser metrology and discuss three major laser metrology applications.
Things to Learn About Laser Metrology
The most interesting thing about laser metrology applications is that different industries have unique requirements when it comes to laser beams. Most laser beams have a Gaussian beam profile, which displays a Gaussian intensity distribution pattern, characterized by a central peak intensity and gradually decreasing edges. However, for laser metrology applications, laser beams often need to be modified to achieve a uniform intensity distribution pattern.
There are different ways to modify the beam profile and achieve a new intensity spot. Laser beam shaping is one such method to achieve a uniform intensity profile with the desired shape and size. Diffractive optical elements or DOEs can work as a beam shaper and shape the incident laser beam using the principle of diffractive optics. Laser metrology employs diffractive optics to enhance the system’s performance and efficiency.
Whereas beam shapers shape incident laser beams, optical beam splitters split the laser beams into two or more output laser beams. Beam splitters are also a unique type of diffractive optical element that produces multiple laser beams from a single laser source without altering its original characteristics. As a result, all output beams retain the same characteristics, except for differences in propagation angle and power.
Laser Metrology Applications
Three major industrial sectors that employ laser metrology for accurate optical measurements and other critical laser applications are the medical sector, the semiconductor production industry, and the aerospace and automotive industries.
- Medical Sector:
Various modern medical devices are produced by using laser metrology. With the help of Laser metrology, it has become possible to measure various physical parameters accurately.
- Semiconductor Industry:
Laser metrology has significant applications in the semiconductor industry. Some key segments of the semiconductor industry that use laser metrology are scratch and deposition, critical dimension, photolithography, flatness and topography, overlay, and defect inspection.
In semiconductor fabrication, laser metrology plays an important role in ensuring high precision and throughput by characterizing complex geometries and microstructures.
- Aerospace and Automotive Industry:
Laser metrology helps the aerospace and automotive industries accurately measure the critical components. These industries also use laser metrology to maintain high standards of traceability.
There are various other notable applications of laser metrology. In all of them, the main challenge for laser metrology applications is to meet the requirements of cutting-edge components to lessen noise and ensure high precision.