Optical Metrology
Optical metrology is a field of measurement science that uses light-based techniques to measure physical quantities such as distance, shape, surface roughness, and material properties with high precision and non-contact methods. It encompasses technologies like interferometry, holography, and laser scanning to analyze objects without physical contact, making it ideal for delicate or high-precision applications. This discipline is crucial in industries like manufacturing, aerospace, and semiconductor production for quality control and research.
Developers should learn optical metrology when working in fields requiring high-precision measurement, such as robotics, computer vision, or industrial automation, to implement non-contact sensing and inspection systems. It is particularly useful for applications like 3D scanning, surface defect detection, and alignment in manufacturing lines, where traditional contact methods might damage materials or be too slow. Understanding this concept helps in integrating optical sensors and algorithms into software for real-time monitoring and data analysis.