Tread and Runway Microtexture Measurement

The proposed device, dubbed the Micrometer Laser Probe System (MLPI), accurately measures surface profiles of non-cooperative (unprepared) targets using a narrow beam of amplitude-modulated laser light. This beam can be scanned rapidly over tire or pavement surfaces to precisely map the range to thousands of points within a few seconds. We have just completed a breadboard version of MLPS using IR&D funds. 3D Images of tire treads, etc., were collected specifically for this application. The results are dramatic. MLPS's most significant feature are high measurement accuracy (better than 0.005") over long standoff ranges (up to 20 feet), high measurement speed (up to hundreds of samples/sec), and low cost (<$10K in 10-unit quantities). These features will appeal to a wide range of commercial markets with applications as diverse as robotics control, industrial inspection, and dentistry. The system is composed of advanced, and yet affordable technologies. This makes the micrometer laser probe product, as proposed here, both revolutionary and commercially viable.