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PolarCam featured in Laser Focus World magazine

January 22, 2019 by
In a recent article on LIDAR technology by Senior Editor John Wallace in Laser Focus World magazine, the author included several paragraphs referring to PolarCam’s micropolarizer technology, which can be used to model 3D space through measuring angle of linear polarization and the distance to objects. The article covers various methods, options and optical technologies
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The New On-Axis Dynamic AccuFiz Fizeau

January 3, 2019 by
When 4D Technology’s AccuFiz interferometers’ patented dynamic mode was introduced, their spatial-phase-shifting technique provided an amazing capability. The stability requirements (sensitivity to vibration) for a measurement dropped from 100’s of milliseconds to less than 1 millisecond. It offered a 2- to 3-orders of magnitude increase in robustness, making it the recommended mode for noisy environments
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New PolarCam Model

January 2, 2019 by
PolarCam is now available in a high-performance camera model, compatible with our PolarView polarimetry software. You can download the new datasheet from the PolarCam page. In addition to PolarView Software, 4D Technology offers a Software Development Kit that will help you develop your own methods of capturing data from PolarCam. On our PolarCam page, you
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Visit 4D at Photonics West: booth 2027

January 2, 2019 by
Come see our instruments demonstrated live in San Francisco, at Photonics West 2019, February 5-7, 2019. SPIE’s Photonics West event is the premier annual expo and technical gathering in the optics industry. How to find us Directions: Turn right from the entrance of the South Hall, and walk in the direction of the China Pavilion.
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Nanometrics Completes Acquisition of 4D Technology Corporation

November 16, 2018 by
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Measuring up to NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope

November 13, 2018 by
Measuring optics for space-based optical systems, like the James Webb Space Telescope, comes with a high risk-profile. After all, it’s difficult to get systems into space, and once deployed, it can be very hard to make a repair visit. NASA is understandably careful not to leave their next big optics project to chance, and they
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Continuous Zoom on a Fizeau Interferometer

November 8, 2018 by
It seems sometimes that there are few challenges left in Fizeau interferometry. Within the span of a lifetime, we moved from fringe counting, to fringe tracing software, to phase shifting. There were beam expanders and families of products with interchangeable accessories. Radius of curvature measurements have come a long way. Then there were instantaneous measurements,
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Nanometrics Acquires 4D Technology Corporation

November 1, 2018 by
Nanometrics Announces Acquisition of 4D Technology Corporation Dynamic Interferometry® business expands served markets and enables new process control technology solutions MILPITAS, Calif., October 29, 2018 — Nanometrics Incorporated (NASDAQ: NANO), a leading provider of advanced process control systems, today announced that it is acquiring 4D Technology Corporation, a leading supplier of high-performance interferometric measurement and
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Measuring the Corona with a telescope like a shrimp’s eye

October 4, 2018 by
Mantis Shrimp originally uploaded at www.flickr.com/photos37707866 by @N00_eyes.jpg
The humble mantis shrimp is considered to have the most complex eyes of any animal. Their eyes don’t just look weird from the outside—they’re weird all the way through. Each eye turns independently of the other. And each one sees in 3D. Imagine being able to see 3D views of your surroundings in two different
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Fizeau Interferometers for Measuring Big Glass: making a better large aperture instrument

October 4, 2018 by
Laser Fizeau Interferometer
I was once in an optical metrology lab for an optical fabricator, where the large aperture Fizeau interferometers—hooded and occupying great big vibration isolation tables—were scheduled to take surface quality measurements of some custom optics that were being prepared for a customer. I was there on a photography assignment and had camera equipment and fluorescent
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4D Unveils New Line of PolarCam Snapshot Micropolarizer Cameras

February 12, 2018 by
PolarCam Micropolarizer Cameras
4D Technology has introduced a new line of polarization cameras for image enhancement, stress measurement, polarimetry and other applications. The PolarCam™ snapshot micropolarizer camera simultaneously captures four polarization states in each video frame, enabling a range of image enhancement techniques and polarimetric measurements. Compact, fast and field-proven, these unique cameras serve applications in process control,
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NEW! PhaseCam 6100: the smallest interferometer for the biggest jobs

January 25, 2018 by
4D Technology PhaseCam 6100 Twyman-Green Laser Interferometer
The PhaseCam® 6100 is a highly compact, dynamic laser interferometer with a 4MP camera and fully motorized controls for measurement of optics and optical systems. With a 633 nm internal diode, the PhaseCam 6100 is ideal for long optical path-length measurement of large afocal optical systems such as concave telescope mirrors and lens systems, and
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Register for the “Simple Shop Floor Measurement” Webinar

November 15, 2017 by
4D Technology 4D InSpec 'Simple 3D Shop Floor Measurement' Webinar
Do you need to dramatically reduce scrap and rework of precision machined parts? We can help. Attend 4D Technology’s “Simple, 3D Shop Floor Measurement Reduces Part Rejection” webinar on Thursday, January 11, 1:00 pm EST (18:00 GMT) to learn about new methods for affordable, high resolution, shop-floor surface defect and feature measurement. We will discuss
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New Vertical Digital Radius Slide for Accurate Radius of Curvature (ROC) Measurement

November 7, 2017 by
4D Technology Vertical Digital Radius Slide with AccuFiz Fizeau Laser Interferometer for fast, accurate Radius of Curvature (ROC) measurement
4D Technology Corporation, manufacturer of optical metrology systems, has introduced a Vertical Digital Radius Slide for precise Radius of Curvature (ROC) measurement of concave or convex optics. The Vertical Digital Radius Slide (VDRS) provides axial positioning resolution to 1 µm for extremely accurate Radius of Curvature measurement using 4D Technology’s AccuFiz® compact laser interferometers. The
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4D Adds LOT Quantum Design as Distributor in Italy

September 6, 2017 by
LOT Quantum Design - Distributor of 4D Technology Metrology Products in Italy
4D Technology is excited to name LOT Quantum Design as a new distributor for 4D products in Italy. LOT have been one of the leading European distributors of high-tech instrumentation and consumables for scientific, academic and industrial research for over 45 years. We look forward to working with the LOT team to provide an improved
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4D Technology “CoronaCam” and the Eclipse of August 21, 2017

August 24, 2017 by
The highly polarized state of light scattered from the corona has been known since 1871. In 1905 Schwartzchild suggested that the polarization was produced from Thompson scattering of photons by free electrons trapped along magnetic field lines. This also led to the prediction that the polarization should have radial symmetry which was confirmed by Ney
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Solar Eclipse Totality Imaged with 4D’s PolarCam

August 21, 2017 by
Amazing image from a 4D PolarCam taken during today’s solar eclipse, at approx. 10:16am PST in Corvallis, Oregon. The image here is showing the measured AoLP (Angle of Linear Polarization). The polarized light in the corona is believed to be primarily from Thompson scattering from electrons in the strong magnetic fields around the sun. Several
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4D’s Michael North-Morris Named SPIE Senior Member

August 18, 2017 by
Michael North-Morris, Director of Product Development, 4D Technology
Michael North-Morris, PhD, has been named a Senior Member of SPIE, the international society for optics and photonics. Senior Member status is given to members of distinction in honor of their professional experience, their active involvement with the optics community and SPIE, and/or significant performance that sets them apart from their peers. Dr. North Morris,
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New Video: Optimizing Brightness for the 4D InSpec Surface Gauge

August 1, 2017 by
Video: Optimizing Brightness to Measure Surface Defects with the 4D InSpec Surface Gauge
This video shows how to optimize the brightness (intensity) level to achieve the best measurements with the 4D InSpec Surface Gauge. Click here to watch the video.
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Webinar: “Improving Surface Defect Measurement: Solutions and Case Studies” July 18

June 29, 2017 by
4D InSpec Surface Gauge for High Res, 3D Surface Defect Measurement
4D Technology presented this webinar discussing improved methods and technologies for high resolution, shop-floor surface defect measurement on Tuesday, July 18, 2017. Registration is closed for the webinar. Accurate measurement of surface defects is essential to the long life and performance of precision components for aerospace, automotive, and other applications.  The challenge facing inspectors is how
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4D InSpec Featured in Advanced Manufacturing

June 27, 2017 by
4D InSpec Surface Gauge for handheld, high resolution 3D measurement of surface features and defects
The 4D InSpec Surface Gauge is featured in Advanced Manufacturing’s article, “Roughness, Profiles and Surfaces—Getting Them Right.” Read the Advanced Manufacturing article here to learn about measuring surface features and defects in high resolution with the 4D InSpec. Learn more about the 4D InSpec Surface Gauge.
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High-Speed PhaseCam Successfully Completes JWST Before and After Tests

May 10, 2017 by
PhaseCam 4020HP Laser Interferometer and and JWST Primary Mirror
A few months ago we reported that NASA had successfully completed a Center of Curvature (COV) of the James Webb Space Telescope prior to rigorous mechanical testing to simulate launch conditions. The COV test, which measures the shape of Webb’s main mirror, was completed using a 4D Technology PhaseCam 4020 High Power High Speed interferometer. The
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4D InSpec Finalist in NCMS’s Technology Challenge

April 24, 2017 by
NCMS National Center for Manufacturing Sciences
The 4D InSpec Surface Gauge was named one of seven finalists in the National Center for Manufacturing Sciences’ CTMA (Commercial Technologies for Maintenance Activities) Awards 2017. The NCMS and the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Maintenance Policy and Programs (MPP) issued the 2017 CTMA Technology Competition to introduce new technologies to DoD’s maintenance
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4D Hosts University of Arizona Optical Science Students

April 19, 2017 by
University of Arizona Optical Science Students Tour 4D Technology Facility
4D Technology recently hosted students from the University of Arizona’s Optical Sciences college on a tour of the 4D facilities in Tucson, Arizona. Kevin Erwin, who teaches an optical engineering outreach class at Optical Sciences, arranges a tour each semester to a local company that manufactures products involving optical technology. The tours help students, both
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Phasing Mirror Segments for the Keck Observatory

March 10, 2017 by
4D Technology's NanoCam Sq surface profile helped the Keck Observatory overcome a challenge of phasing mirror segments in their segmented primary mirror
Phasing mirror segments is critical to accurate observations for many of the world’s largest telescopes, which employ segmented primary mirrors. In these instruments the primary mirror consists of many hexagonal segments, rather than a single, monolithic mirror. Using segments enables fabrication of larger primary mirrors. Segments are also easier to fabricate, transport, install, and maintain.
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Steve Martinek Participates in “Discover Global Markets: Advanced Manufacturing” Conference

February 23, 2017 by
Stephen J. Martinek, Director of Worldwide Sales
Stephen J. Martinek, 4D Technology’s Director of Sales, recently participated as a panelist at the “Discover Global Markets: Advanced Manufacturing” Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona. Mr. Martinek provided his extensive experience in worldwide instrument sales to the “Experts on Exporting” panel. The conference was hosted by the U.S. Commercial Service and the Arizona District Export Council,
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New Video: Measure Turbine Blade Edge with the 4D InSpec Surface Gauge

January 24, 2017 by
measure turbine blade edge defects with the 4D InSpec Surface Gauge
This video shows how the 4D InSpec Surface Gauge is used to measure turbine blade edge defects. The video walks through the quick process required to measure turbine blade edge scratches and pits. The presenter shows how focus, brightness and settings can affect measurement results. Click here to view the video.
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Video: Measure Surface Defects Using the 4D InSpec Feature Analysis

January 20, 2017 by
4D InSpec Feature Analysis
This video shows how to use the 4D InSpec Surface Gauge Feature Analysis to measure surface defects on precision machined surfaces. The handheld, portable 4D InSpec can measure surface defects on large or complex surfaces. The Feature Analysis automatically locates all features in the field of view based on user-input criteria. It then presents them
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Join the webinar, “Shop Floor 3D Metrology to Improve Quality and Profit”

December 9, 2016 by
Precision components for aerospace, automotive, and other applications must be inspected throughout production for damage, and throughout their life span for wear, corrosion and defects. Inspectors face challenges in determining the severity of defects and the depth of desired features such as laser marking or dot peening. Visual comparison techniques are quick and inexpensive but
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4D Introduces Adjustable Surface Isolation Source for AccuFiz

November 30, 2016 by
Measure flats and measure plane parallel optics with the AccuFiz Fizeau surface isolation source (SIS)
Tucson, AZ, November 30, 2016 – 4D Technology Corporation, manufacturer of optical metrology systems, has introduced the adjustable Surface Isolation Source (SIS) for its AccuFiz Fizeau laser interferometers. Plane-parallel optics are transparent components with parallel faces, or optical systems with two or more parallel surfaces. Measuring plane-parallel optics with a laser interferometer can be challenging
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4D InSpec Named 2017 Prism Awards Finalist

November 21, 2016 by
4D InSpec Surface Gauge
4D’s new The 4D InSpec Surface Gauge is the first handheld, precision instrument for non-contact measurement of surface features and defects. With micrometer-level resolution, portability, affordability and ease-of-use, the 4D InSpec puts high resolution measurement on the factory floor, in machine shops and in field service applications. The 4D InSpec brings high resolution, 3D surface
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4D’s Chris Guido Honored as Part of LIGO Project Team

November 11, 2016 by
Chris Guido, Optical Engineer at 4D Technology Corporation
The Optical Society of America (OSA) recently honored the Advanced LIGO Engineering Team with the 2016 Paul F. Forman Team Engineering Excellence Award. Chris Guido, now an Optical Engineer with 4D Technology, was part of the team that was honored. The Advanced LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory) Engineering Team received the award for their participation
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4D in NASA News: NASA Completes Webb Telescope Center of Curvature Pre-test

November 2, 2016 by
A 4D Technology PhaseCam 4020 High Speed High Power Laser Interferometer being used to measure the shape of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)
Taking a “before” optical measurement of the JWST deployed mirror is crucial before the telescope goes into several stages of rigorous mechanical testing. Testing was recently conducted by a team from NASA Goddard, Ball Aerospace of Boulder, Colorado, and the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland, to simulate the violent sound and vibration environments
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Dr. Erik Novak to Present at Semicon Europa

October 21, 2016 by
FlexCam Metrology Module
Dr. Erik Novak, 4D Technology’s Director of New Business Development, will be presenting a paper entitled, “In-line High Resolution 3D Surface Measurements for Substrate Characterization” at the FLEX2016 Europe conference. Dr. Novak’s talk will be given on Wednesday, October 26, 12:05pm, as part of Session 6 (Flexible Hybrid Electronics Manufacturing: Challenges and Solutions). FLEX2016 Europe
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Erik Novak Named SPIE Senior Member

October 15, 2016 by
Dr. Erik Novak, Director of New Business Development
Dr. Erik Novak was recently selected as a Senior Member of the International Society for Optics and Photonics (SPIE). Dr. Novak was nominated for achievements in optical metrology applications to solve a broad range of industrial issues. SPIE Senior Members are Members of distinction who are honored for their professional experience, active involvement with the
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Measure Corrosion with the 4D InSpec

October 13, 2016 by
measure corrosion
Use and environmental exposure inevitably lead to wear and corrosion of precision surfaces. Left unchecked corrosion can impede performance and can ultimately lead to component failure, sometimes with catastrophic results. Inspectors at repair and refurbishment facilities must be able to accurately measure corrosion and determine its severity in terms of pit depth and areal coverage.
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4D InSpec Honored in Tech Briefs Create the Future Design Awards

October 10, 2016 by
Tech Briefs Create the Future Design Awards
The 4D InSpec Surface Gauge was awarded an honorable mention for the 2016 Create the Future Design Contest. The contest was launched in 2002 by the publishers of NASA Tech Briefs magazine to help stimulate and reward engineering innovation. The annual event has attracted more than 12,000 product design ideas from engineers, entrepreneurs, and students
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4D Technology’s Joanna Schmit Named to SPIE’s Board of Directors

October 5, 2016 by
Dr. Joanna Schmit, 4D Technology
4D Technology’s Dr. Joanna Schmit has been named to the Board of Directors for the International Society of Optics and Photonics (SPIE). Newly named Directors, who are elected by a vote of SPIE members, will serve three-year terms for 2017-2019. Congratulations to Dr. Schmit for this recognition. View Dr. Schmit’s SPIE profile.
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4D Hosts Eric Hirschhorn, AZ Tech Council and AZ Optics Industry Association

September 30, 2016 by
Alex Rodriguez VP, Southern Arizona Regional Offices at Arizona Technology Council, Eric L. Hirschhorn, and James Millerd, President of 4D Technology
On September 22, 4D Technology hosted an invitation-only round table discussion with Eric L. Hirschhorn, the Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security and head of the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). The discussion was attended by members of the Arizona Technology Council and the Arizona Optics Industry Association. Mr. Hirschhorn oversees the
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Measuring Surface Features Without Replication

September 29, 2016 by
4D InSpec measuring difficult to access areas of an aircraft engine fan disk and casing. By eliminating the need for replication measurement time is reduced from over an hour to less than a minute. Images courtesy StandardAero.
When measuring surface defects on large or complex components inspectors are faced with a dilemma. High resolution measurement systems are typically confined to a stand in a metrology lab, making them unable to measure large components. These system are also too susceptible to vibration to be used on a factory floor. Handheld depth gauges afford
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4D InSpec Surface Gauge Announced

September 7, 2016 by
4D InSpec Surface Gauge
4D Technology today announced the 4D InSpec™ Surface Gauge, the first handheld, non-contact instrument that measures precision machined surface defects and features with micrometer-level resolution. The 4D InSpec will debut at the International Manufacturing Technology Symposium (IMTS) 2016 in Chicago, IL, September 12-17, in the 4D Technology Booth E-5852. The 4D InSpec employs 4D’s patented
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4D in NASA News: NASA Seeks Picometer Accuracy

July 25, 2016 by
NASA JWST Primary Mirror
This recent NASA article discusses a joint effort between NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center and 4D to develop a picometer-stability interferometer. 4D is very excited to be working with NASA on this ground-breaking project. NASA Seeks Picometer Accuracy
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Pixelated Camera Highlights Polarization in Astronomy at Jupiter’s Poles

March 16, 2016 by
Polarization images of Jupiter's poles
Polarization in astronomy just became easier to measure. Here’s an exciting application of PolarCam technology for astronomical polarization measurements. Measuring polarization of solar emissions, especially of the corona has been a challenge in astronomy since the highly polarized state of the corona was observed in the 1800’s. But another polarization event in planetary sciences needs
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4D FlexCam Wins 2016 Prism Award

February 18, 2016 by
Tucson, AZ, Feb 18, 2016. 4D Technology Corporation, manufacturer of optical measurement systems, is pleased to announce that its FlexCam Metrology Module was awarded a 2016 Prism Award for best new metrology instrumentation. The FlexCam provides high resolution 3D metrology in a highly compact package. For metrology of large optics, FlexCam can be used as
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Dr. Erik Novak to Present at Semicon Europa 2015

September 15, 2015 by
Tucson, AZ, September 15, 2015. Dr. Erik Novak, Director of Business Development for 4D Technology Corporation, will be presenting at the Plastic Electronics Conference at Semicon Europa 2015. Dr. Novak’s talk, entitled, “In Situ, High Resolution 3D Metrology for Real-time Quality Control in Flexible Electronics ,” will be held on October 7 at 4:00pm in
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FlexTech Announces Market-Ready Conclusion to 4D Technology Project

July 14, 2015 by
FlexCam r2r metrology
July 14, 2015 – San Jose, Calif. – FlexTech Alliance today announced the successful conclusion to its Large-Area Roll-to-Roll In-Line Surface Metrology Program with 4D Technology Corporation of Tucson, Arizona. The product, the FlexCamTM Defect and Roughness Metrology Module, was launched to substantial interest in February at 2015FLEX in Monterey and will be featured in
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FlexTech Announces Market-Ready Conclusion to 4D Technology Project

July 14, 2015 by
FlexCam Metrology Module
San Jose, Calif. – FlexTech Alliance today announced the successful conclusion to its Large-Area Roll-to-Roll In-Line Surface Metrology Program with 4D Technology Corporation of Tucson, Arizona. The product, the FlexCamTM Defect and Roughness Metrology Module, was launched to substantial interest in February at 2015FLEX in Monterey and will be featured in several upcoming events. This
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4D Introduces FlexCam Metrology Module

May 15, 2015 by
FlexCam Metrology Module
Tucson, AZ, May 15, 2015 – 4D Technology Corporation, manufacturer of optical metrology systems, has introduced the FlexCam metrology module. The FlexCam is a compact, high resolution 3D metrology system for in situ roll-to-roll measurement of flexible electronics. FlexCam modules provide sub-nanometer vertical resolution and micrometer-scale lateral resolution for in-process roughness and defect quantification for
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4D Technology Introduces PolarCam CMOS Snapshot Micropolarizer Cameras

April 1, 2015 by
PolarCam CMOS Snapshot Micropolarizer Camera
4D Technology Corporation, manufacturer of optical measurement systems, has introduced two new models to its line of PolarCam polarization cameras. The PolarCam™ snapshot micropolarizer camera simultaneously captures images at 4 polarization angles from each video frame, enabling a range of image enhancement techniques and polarimetric measurements. Compact, fast and field-proven, these unique cameras serve applications
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4D Introduces Improved AccuFiz Laser Interferometer

March 4, 2015 by
AccuFiz Compact Laser Interferometer
4D Technology Corporation, manufacturer of optical metrology systems, has introduced its newly improved AccuFiz compact laser interferometer for accurate, repeatable measurement of surface shape and transmitted wavefront quality. The AccuFiz Fizeau interferometer offers unmatched performance in production environments as well as in metrology labs, with industry-leading high frequency response and precision, and a 40% improvement
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