Real Time Measurement and Feedback System for Production Ultra Precision Machining

50394-98-I Real Time Measurement and Feedback System for Production Ultra Precision Machining--Red Cone Research Inc., 11579 Apache Trail, Conifer, CO 80433-7220; (303) 838-5376 Dr. David C. MacPherson, Principal Investigator Dr. David C. MacPherson, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG03-98ER82654 Amount: $74,980 Building the next linear collider will require two million copper cells with sub-micron dimensional tolerances. Producing these cells requires a method of micro positioning the cells on precision turning machines. Also, a method of measuring the cell dimensions during the machining process will enable production machining to the required tolerances. A fast non-contact method of measuring the final cell dimensions is needed for quality control. A high speed interferometer will be developed that measures the dimensions of the cells while they are spinning on a turning machine. The interferometer will have sub-micron resolution and one millisecond measurement time. A prototype interferometer will be assembled and used to measure a cell while it is spinning in a machine chuck. Measurement resolution will be verified and the measurement errors caused by oil films on the cell surface will be investigated. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The interferometer should have applicability as a general measurement tool for production machining to sub-micron dimensional tolerances. The interferometer may also be useful for improving the consistency of laser eye surgery by providing corneal shape feedback during the ablation process._