QED Technologies Announces ASI™ Metrology System For Aspheres

QED Technologies (QED), provider of Magnetorheological Finishing (MRF®) polishing and Subaperture Stitching Interferometry (SSI®) metrology platforms for the precision optics industry, recently announced the release of its Aspheric Stitching Interferometer (ASI™), the newest in its line of metrology systems. The ASI&trde; is capable of measuring steep aspheres with as much as 1000 waves (more than 600 microns) of departure from the best fit sphere, without the use of dedicated null lenses or computer-generated holograms, significantly reducing the cost and lead time for producing aspheres, compared to traditional methods.

Furthering QED's introduction of its SSI-A® metrology system in 2007, which provides metrology capability for mild aspheres (up to 200 waves of departure), QED's new ASI&trade takes asphere metrology to the next level of performance and flexibility. The ASI&rade; is based on QED's subaperture stitching technology and is complemented by its patent pending Variable Optical Nulltrade; technology. The variable optical null is a programmable opto-mechanical sub-system that generates a wavefront that closely matches the surface of the asphere subaperture being measured. The system takes high resolution subaperture measurements over the entire optical surface and the results are stitched together to form a full aperture map of the asphere being tested.

"The release of the ASI™ opens new doors for optical systems designers and optics manufacturers alike", said Marc Tricard, Director of Business Development for QED. "We know that incorporating aspheres into optical system design is very efficient. In addition to increased optical performance, the use of aspheres generally results in fewer optical elements, less weight and reduced size. Designers can now incorporate steep, complex aspheres into optical systems designs with the knowledge that with ASI™, manufacturers have access to the right tools to manufacture and measure them accurately in a rapid and cost effective manner."

ABOUT QED TECHNOLOGIES
Since it was founded in 1996, QED Technologies, based in Rochester, NY, has built a reputation for producing high quality products based on revolutionary, patented technology, advanced computer numerical control machines and world-class software to provide shop-ready solutions for nearly any precision optics manufacturing need. QED offers state-of-the-art finishing and metrology solutions that are designed to meet the needs of advanced optics manufacturers by increasing production speed and yield while decreasing costs. QED is dedicated to providing revolutionary technical solutions that enable or significantly enhance its customers' capabilities and positively impact their bottom line. QED Technologies is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cabot Microelectronics Corporation. For more information about QED Technologies, visit www.qedmrf.com

ABOUT CABOT MICROELECTRONICS CORPORATION
Cabot Microelectronics Corporation, headquartered in Aurora, Illinois, is the world's leading supplier of CMP slurries used in semiconductor and data storage manufacturing. The company's products play a critical role in the production of the most advanced semiconductor devices, enabling the manufacture of smaller, faster and more complex devices by its customers. Since becoming an independent public company in 2000, the company has grown to approximately 800 employees on a global basis. The company's vision is to become the world leader in shaping, enabling and enhancing the performance of surfaces, so the company is leveraging its expertise in CMP slurry formulation, materials and polishing techniques developed for the semiconductor industry and applying it to demanding surface modification applications in other industries where shaping, enabling and enhancing the performance of surfaces is critical to success. For more information about Cabot Microelectronics Corporation, visit www.cabotcmp.com

SOURCE: QED Technologies