Sustainable & digital engineering Digital technology, electronics

Device for measuring the curvature and defects of a reflective surface

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Several techniques (based in particular on laser systems) now make it possible to control the curvature of reflective objects non-invasively and in real time, with a high degree of precision. However, these devices are generally complex to set up, expensive and can only be used under certain specific experimental conditions. 
The system presented here, made up of simple optical elements, constitutes a portable assembly that can be used in any type of environment. It can be used to measure the curvature and defects of any type of surface with any degree of reflectivity, over a long period of time, absolutely and with a high degree of accuracy.

COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

  • Quick installation
  • Robust system
  • Device can be adapted to any type of surface (of any size and with any defects)
  • Can be used in any environment
  • Real-time and absolute curvature measurements
  • High accuracy of measured curvatures

APPLICATIONS

  • Real-time control of processes (annealing, electroplating, etc.) or post-treatment
  • Numerous possible fields of application: astronomy, aeronautics, automotive, health, etc.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

  • Software
  • Expertise
  • Patent

DEVELOPMENT STAGE

Laboratory validation of the technology

LABORATORY

Logo laboratoire LAAS CNRS
  • LAAS

Description

  • System consisting of a luminous object, a camera fitted with a lens, a beam splitter cube and analysis software
  • Creation of a virtual image of the object through the surface being studied and analysis of variations in the image created in real time
  • The system can be used with the light object and camera positioned at any angle to the surface normal
  • Real-time and absolute curvature measurement, 3D reconstruction of the surface

Technical specifications

  • Wavelength: No specific wavelength imposed
  • Medium: No particular constraints (can be used in gaseous, liquid, dusty or vibrating environments, etc.)
  • Continuous measurement: > 18 hours
  • Absolute measurement: Yes
  • Curvature accuracy: 1.33 x 10-5 (value achieved with the current prototype depending on experimental conditions: vibrations, etc.)
  • Min. radius of curvature: 5 mm