José Antonio Gómez Pedrero

Topographic optical profilometry by absorption in liquids

Optical absorbance within a liquid is used as a photometric probe to measure the topography of optical surfaces relative to a reference. The liquid fills the gap between the reference surface and the measuring surface. By comparing two transmission images at different wavelengths we can profile the height distribution in a simple and reliable way. The presented method handles steep surface slopes (<90°) without difficulty. It adapts well to any field of view and height range (peak to valley). A height resolution in the order of the nanometer may be achieved and the height range can be tailored by adapting the concentration of water soluble dyes. It is especially appropriate for 3D profiling of transparent complex optical surfaces, like those found in micro-optic arrays and for Fresnel, aspheric or free-form lenses, which are very difficult to measure by other optical methods. We show some experimental results to validate its capabilities as a metrological tool and handling of steep surface slopes.

Optical method for the surface topographic characterization of Fresnel lenses

Fresnel lenses and other faceted or micro-optic devices are increasingly used in multiple applications like solar light concentrators and illumination devices. As applications are more exigent this characterization is of increasing importance. We present a technique to characterize the surface topography of optical surfaces. It is especially well adapted to Fresnel lenses where abrupt surface slopes are usually difficult to handle in conventional techniques. The method is based on a new photometric strategy able to codify the height information in terms of optical absorption in a liquid. A detailed topographic map is simple to acquire by capturing images of the surface. Some experimental results are presented. A single pixel height resolution of ~0.1 μm is achieved for a height range of ~50 μm. A surface slope analysis is also made achieving a resolution of ~±0.15°.

Lineal illuminating system for automatic x-y graphic colorimetric and texture testing.

A lineal illuminating system based on an optical fiber array is studied. It can be applied to automatic industrial inspection systems, e.g., those used for chromatic classification of ceramic floor tiles. Improvement in the existing systems performance is achieved by using a collimated beam, as shown by both photometric analysis and experimental results. This system has been implemented as part of a real-time controlling tool in a production line.

Method for the characterization of Fresnel lens flux transfer performance

Fresnel lenses and other faceted or micro-optic devices are increasingly used in multiple applications like solar light concentrators and illumination devices, just to name some representative. However, it seems to be a certain lack of adequate techniques for the assessment of the performance of final fabricated devices. As applications are more exigent this characterization is a must. We provide a technique to characterize the performance of Fresnel lenses, as light collection devices. The basis for the method is a configuration where a camera images the Fresnel lens aperture. The entrance pupil of the camera is situated at the focal spot or the conjugate of a simulated solar source. In this manner, detailed maps of the performance of different Fresnel lenses are obtained for different acceptance angles.

Topographic optical profilometry of steep slope micro-optical transparent surfaces.

Optical profilometers based on light reflection may fail at surfaces presenting steep slopes and highly curved features. Missed light, interference and diffraction at steps, peaks and valleys are some of the reasons. Consequently, blind areas or profile artifacts may be observed when using common reflection micro-optical profilometers (confocal, scanning interferometers, etc…). The Topographic Optical Profilometry by Absorption in Fluids (TOPAF) essentially avoids these limitations. In this technique an absorbing fluid fills the gap between a reference surface and the surface to profile. By comparing transmission images at two different spectral bands we obtain a reliable topographic map of the surface. In this contribution we develop a model to obtain the profile under micro-optical observation, where high numerical aperture (NA) objectives are mandatory. We present several analytical and experimental results, validating the techniques capabilities for profiling steep slopes and highly curved micro-optical surfaces with nanometric height resolution.