New High-Speed 3D Imaging Technology In Printed Electronics Metrology Applications (Sensors USA 2018)

This presentation introduces FocalSpec's recently patented Line Confocal Imaging (LCI) technology that was developed to characterize 3D features of various surface and material types at sub-micron resolution. LCI enables automatic microtopographic imaging of challenging objects that are difficult or impossible to measure with traditional methods. Examples of well-suited applications for LCI include glossy, mirror-like and transparent surfaces and materials, such as films, sheets and printed features. LCI sensors operate at high speed and they can be used to scan fast-moving surfaces in real-time as well as stationary product samples in laboratory.

Operational principle of the LCI method and its strengths and limitations are discussed. Two applications for the LCI sensors and scanners on printed electronics products are examined: 1. Thickness and width measurement of conductor traces and other printed features. 2. Surface roughness measurement of substrates and printed features.

Juha Saily is a technical sales and marketing professional with FocalSpec, Inc., located in the San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA. He is a graduate of the Raahe Institute of Computer Engineering in Raahe, Finland, with a Bachelor Degree in Computer Engineering. Prior to joining FocalSpec, Juha held various technical, sales, marketing and management positions with Nokia Cellular Phones in Finland; TopWave Ltd in Finland and Mexico City; and Computone Corporation, Inx-Systems, Inc. and Techno Product, Inc. in Atlanta, Georgia. Juha's special interests include manufacturing processes, Statistical Process Control and optical sensors.

FocalSpec's unique optical 3D sensors and UULA Line Confocal Scanner are designed to meet the needs of the 3C industry, including printed and flexible electronics. Our technology can be used both in manufacturing facilities and in QC, R&D and metrology laboratories.

 

The combination of speed, accuracy and overall capability is superior to other technologies and is suitable for the most demanding materials and surfaces, even clear, high gloss and high contrast. Measurements available include 3D dimensions, ink height/width, volume, flatness, thickness, surface roughness and burr height.

 

FocalSpec operates globally through offices in Finland, USA and China.