Optical Thickness Gauge: Definition, Features and Vendors

instrumentation
measurement
metrology
non-contact
optical thickness

This page provides an overview of optical thickness gauges, which are used for optical thickness measurement. We’ll explore its benefits and features of optical thickness gauges from various vendors.

Definition: An optical thickness gauge is a device or equipment used for measuring optical thickness.

Features of Optical Thickness Gauges

optical thickness guage

The following table outlines the key features of the Optical Thickness Gauge 157 series from Bristol Instruments. It’s known for its reliable accuracy and long-term repeatability. This gauge utilizes non-contact optical interferometry for optical thickness measurement.

Optical Thickness Gauge Specifications (Bristol Instruments 157 Series)

SpecificationsOptical Thickness Gauge
Accuracy+/- 0.1 µm
Repeatability+/- 0.02 µm
Range of Measurement25 µm to 16 mm
Probe DistanceWorking distance of 50 mm and angular tolerance of 2 degrees
Rate of Measurement20Hz

Other Optical Thickness Gauge Vendors

Here are some other popular Optical Thickness Gauge vendors:

  • NDC Technologies - Model T100
  • FIBERPRO, Inc. - TM5000 optical thickness measurement system
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. - Laser TX thickness gauge
  • Cygnus Instruments - Ultrasonic thickness gauges
  • Hamamatsu Photonics K.K.
  • Bristol Instruments

Benefits of Optical Thickness Gauge

Following are some of the advantages of optical thickness gauge.

  1. Measures thin films and coatings without damaging the sample.
  2. Provides micron or nanometer level thickness measurements for precise quality control.
  3. Delivers real time thickness analysis, improving production efficiency.
  4. Works with glass, plastics, semiconductors, optical coatings, and biomedical films.
  5. Compact and user friendly, ideal for both laboratory and industrial environments.
  6. Measures individual layers in multi layer films, ensuring uniformity and performance.
  7. Essential for Optical & Semiconductor Industries for lens manufacturing, display technology, and microelectronics.
  8. Reduces Material Waste & Cost as it ensures precise coating thickness, minimizing excess material usage.

Conclusion

An Optical Thickness Gauge is a game changer in industries where precision, efficiency and non destructive testing (NDT) are critical. It’s ability to measure ultra thin films with high accuracy enhances quality control, manufacturing consistency, and cost efficiency across sectors like optics, semiconductors, and biomedical research. As industries move towards miniaturization and high performance coatings, the Optical Thickness Gauge remains an indispensable tool for innovation and quality assurance.

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