Why Upgrade an Interferometer?
Upgrading an old interferometer is one-third the cost of buying a new one. Watch Äpre’s video for a quick explanation of why you should upgrade your interferometer instead of buying new.
What does it mean to upgrade a laser Fizeau interferometer?
Äpre basically upgrades the electronic components and software. These include: a new 1-megapixel measurement camera and an alignment camera if applicable, motor controller, new remote control, phase shifter drivers, computer and monitor and replacing the proprietary cables (often thick and vibration inducing) with thin industry standard USB cables. The system is checked for alignment and cleaned. The software included is the latest Windows 64-bit operating system and Äpre REVEAL data acquisition, analysis and reporting software. Final testing proves the system operates as expected. You ship to Äpre an obsolete or broken system, and after the upgrade you receive an interferometer working to its theoretical best.
What typically requires repairing and how is this handled?
Typical failure items are motors, frozen zoom lenses (will not zoom), slipping clutches, delaminating optics, broken PZT’s, contaminants buried deep within a lens assembly or grossly out of alignment optical paths. These repairs are beyond an upgrade and therefore are quoted as a contingency fee. If required Äpre will notify you, quote the cost of repair, and only perform the repair if you desire. The contingency fee is only charge if Äpre performs repairs.
Will the system perform like a new 6X zoom 1‐Megapixel system?
In many cases yes. An upgraded zoom interferometer can perform as well as a new zoom interferometer with a 1-Megapixel camera. These zoom imaging systems have changed little since designed in 1978. In many cases the zoom lenses are the same part number! The newer (post 1995) interferometers will probably perform as well as new, with the exclusion of potential optical component degradation.
To determine if your interferometer needs an upgrade, download Äpre’s free “Optical Production Control Field Guide.” (Click here.)
For more answers to other common questions regarding interferometer upgrades, refer to the FAQ page on Äpre’s website.
To request more information or a quotation for Äpre products or service, contact IL Photonics.