Optical Profilometry (OP) is a technique used in the measurement of surface topography. OP helps measure surface roughness, coating thickness variation, flatness, surface curvature, texture, and thin-film coating stress. OP is a non-destructive, fast technique with a wide range of applications. Op is widely used in semiconductors, nanotechnology, additive manufacturing, automotive and optical component manufacturing industries among others.
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Introduction to Optical Profilometry
Optical Profilometry is a non-destructive, interferometric-based non-contact technique to measure and study surface topography of materials. This is also known as White Light Interferometry (WLI). OP is used to measure roughness, flatness and curvature of a surface along with measuring coating thickness variation and thin-film coating stress of material samples.
Optical Profilometer Principle and Methodology
A profilometer is used to perform this technique. A diamond stylus is used to scan the sample surface in a contact mode profilometer, where its vertical movement is recorded. Whereas, a non-contact mode profilometer uses a laser or optical beam. The light beam is split with one half directed to the surface and another half to the mirror. When these beams are recombined, the wavelength scale path difference produced by the topography variations causes interference. The contour information obtained is extrapolated from the interpretation of the interference patterns.
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Optical Profilometer Services
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Laser confocal microscopy, patterned light and wide area 3D measurements and white light interferometry are the other techniques related to OP.
An Optical Profilometer
An optical profilometer, also known as an optical profiler, is used to scan a wide range of scientific and industrial samples. An OP is used to evaluate roughness statistics and feature dimensions of a sample through 2D and 3D images. 3D optical profilometry is the latest aspect of this technology. The performance of a profilometer depends on the following parameters-
Field of view: This is the whole area of the material surface that the profilometer can measure.
Resolution in space: This property varies in the longitudinal and lateral directions for different profilers. The range of this spatial resolution depends upon the user requirements and required accuracy levels.
Picture acquisition time: This correlates to the needed image type, image frame rates, and accuracy.
Uses of Optical Profilometer
Optical profilometry is used (a) to measure roughness profile for automotive parts, (b) to perform curvature analysis for thin-film stress measurement, adhesion, etc., (c) to measure coating surface characteristics, (d) to study corrosion on the metal surfaces, (e) to measure fabric surface morphology, (f) to image cracks and other surface defects, (f) to measure flip chip and other semiconductor packaging flatness and solder bumps, and (g) to measure the radius of curvature for optical parts and nanometric surface features, among many other uses across different industries.
Step height and dimensional measurement
Characterizing wear and friction of mechanical parts
Assessing bow on coated/processed wafers, e.g. MEMS fabrication
Measuring the radius of curvature of microfluidic channels, optics, etc.
Quantifying thickness of continuous, transparent films (i.e. no physical step is needed)
Determining consistency of solder bump heights, e.g. on flip chips and other advanced packaging
Correlating roughness measurements with materials properties, e.g. adhesion, corrosion, appearance
OP Technical Specifications
Lateral Resolution: 0.5 μm (best)
Maximum feature height: 10 mm
Minimum image size: 0.06×0.047 mm2
Height Resolution: 0.01 nm (PSI) or 6 nm (VSI)
Film Thickness: Between 150 µm and 2 µm thick
Maximum sample size: 300 mm diameter, 100 lbs weight, 4″/100 mm height
As its advantages, this technique does not require a vacuum or special chamber, can accommodate very large to small samples and offers surface roughness precision in the sub-nanometer range.
Limitations of OP include considerable variation in the surface height hard to measure and any variation in the refractive index of films can produce erroneous thickness estimations.
Strengths
wide range of possible analysis areas, feature heights and roughness statistics.
for non-destructive/non-contact applications.
it is fast, and therefore good for multiple repeat measurements.
it accommodates very large and very small sample sizes.
You can share your optical profilometry testing requirements with MaTestLab. MaTestLab has a vast network of material testing laboratories, spread across the USA and Canada. We support your all material testing needs ranging from specific optical profilometry test to various testing techniques.
How much do I need to pay for the optical profilometry test?
Please contact us for a detailed quote for your optical profilometry testing needs. Cost incurred to carry out different optical profilometry testing methodology depends on the type of raw material; number of samples, coupons, or specimens; test conditions, turn around time etc. Costs of some ASTM testing methods start from $100 and the final value depends upon the factors listed above. Please contact us for the best and latest prices.
How many samples are required for optical profilometry?
The required number of samples or specimens should comply with the procedure given in the optical profilometry standard. However, the MaTestLab operations team can assist you for your special requirements once you share your testing details with us.
How much discount can I get on the optical profilometry test?
MaTestLab has a vast testing laboratory network, hence we bring you the best testing facilities in a cost-effective way. We offer considerable discounts (15-20%) to our returning customers based on test volume and frequency.
How many days will it take to complete the optical profilometry test?
The turnaround time for optical profilometry test methodology depends upon the test procedure mentioned in the standard test document. However, we at MaTestLab understand your research requirements and hence try to get your test completed within the least possible time.
Where can I get the optical profilometry tested?
You can share your optical profilometry testing requirements with MaTestLab. MaTestLab has a vast network of material testing laboratories, spread across the USA and Canada. We support your all material testing needs ranging from specific optical profilometry test to various testing techniques.
MaTestLab Inc. offers accessible, quick, and affordable material testing, product testing, and failure analysis services. We support your on-demand testing and expert consultation needs with the help of our extensive network of material testing laboratories situated in the US and other parts of the world.
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