Innovations in Precision Optics for Benchtop Testing, Semiconductors, and Other Advanced Applications

As industrial systems and manufacturing processes have become increasingly complex, the integration of advanced optical / opto-mechanical technology has likewise become increasingly crucial. From semiconductor testing equipment to advanced benchtop testing in the aerospace and medical sectors, optical innovations play a critical role in both achieving and verifying the precision product results expected in these industries.

One of America’s leading manufacturers of metal mirror optics and optical-mechanical pointing/imaging assemblies, CMM Optic continuously analyzes the current and future needs of the market. Below, we discuss some of the biggest roles that advanced optics play in the aforementioned industries and beyond.

Semiconductor Testing Systems and Other Capital Equipment

Semiconductor manufacturing today operates on the nanometer scale in terms of chip features. Obviously, maintaining quality and precision at such a small scale presents a whole host of technical challenges.

There are many advanced optical processes manufacturers employ to confirm all semiconductor critical dimensions are consistently achieved. These include optical microscopy techniques along with various forms of spectral and hyperspectral imaging.

For example, optical spectroscopy is commonly used for real-time monitoring of chemical processes and material composition. Critical to semiconductor manufacturing, spectroscopy reliably analyzes optical bandgap, as well as the exciton binding energy and absorption strength of the semiconductor material. Other unique uses cases include:

Photolithography – Requiring a range of specialized optics and opto-mechanical components, photolithography is the core process for creating intricate patterns on silicon wafers. Sophisticated optical systems (e.g. lasers, optical lenses, and mirrors) are used to project circuit patterns onto wafers coated with photoresist. The exposed areas are then chemically etched away, leaving behind the desired circuit structure.

Wafer Inspection and Metrology – The semiconductor industry commonly employs high-precision optical microscopes and interferometers to closely analyze wafers at various stages of production. These sophisticated optical tools detect minute manufacturing defects, measure critical dimensions, and ensure the accuracy/alignment of circuit patterns.

Laser Ablation and Annealing – In semiconductor manufacturing, lasers perform material removal, or ablation, and also modify the crystal structure of semiconductors through annealing. Relying on advanced optics, these techniques are essential for creating specific semiconductor features and optimizing overall chip performance.

Benchtop Testing Equipment for Medical Industry Manufacturers

Benchtop testing systems are indispensable tools in modern medical equipment manufacturing. Beyond maintaining the high level of quality and precision expected in the industry, specialized testing procedures are necessary to confirm the safety of new medical devices, along with compliance to strict regulatory standards.

Using advanced tools such as complex fiber optic technologies and backreflection meters, benchtop systems simulate a variety of real-world conditions, subjecting medical devices to various tests within a controlled laboratory environment while closely analyzing the results.

Confirming Medical Device Functionality and Performance

In functional testing applications, benchtop systems verify that medical devices perform their intended functions accurately and reliably. Typically, testing parameters include functional device accuracy as well as electrical response time and output levels.

For advanced performance testing, benchtop systems assess how well medical devices perform under different conditions, such as variations in temperature, humidity, and electrical interference. This helps ensure that the equipment will function as expected in various clinical settings. In virtually all cases, precision-built optics play a crucial role within these crucial medical device testing systems.

Benchtop Testing Equipment for Aerospace and Defense Sectors

Benchtop testing systems are equally crucial in the aerospace and defense sectors. Of course, these industries see a number of critical equipment applications in which the reliability, performance, and safety of all components is of the utmost importance.

Avionics Testing – Benchtop systems are used to test and validate the functionality, performance, and reliability of avionics systems. These crucial systems control navigation, communication, radar, and other critical electronic functions that keep aircraft safe in flight. Precision optics are employed to confirm that these critical systems operate flawlessly under all expected operational conditions.

EMC Testing – Electromagnetic compatibility is critical in aerospace and defense applications to prevent the disruption of various sensitive electronic systems. Benchtop testers use complex optical systems to assess the susceptibility of components and systems to electromagnetic interference, and ensure that they comply with any applicable EMC regulations.

Radar and Antenna Testing – Specialized optical testing processes characterize and test the performance of radar and antenna systems, including their gain, directivity, beamwidth, and sidelobe levels. In both commercial aerospace and defense, these systems are crucial for navigational purposes, communication, as well as to detect and track targets accurately.

Weapon Systems Testing – Benchtop systems are used to test and validate the functionality, safety, and reliability of advanced weapon systems. Specialized optical techniques are often required for testing advanced functionality such as guidance, control, and accuracy.

Precision American Manufacturing for Advanced Optics Since 1989

CMM Optic is one of the nation’s leading design and manufacturing firms specializing in state-of-the-art optics and opto-mechanical components. From engineering through prototyping all the way to production, we offer uncompromising precision backed by unparalleled quality control.

We invite you to speak with our team about your next project