Symposium succesfully kicks off DSPE Optics and Optomechatronics Week 2015

The DSPE Optics and Optomechatronics Symposium is the second edition of the bi-annual event, which started two years ago in Eindhoven, the Netherlands. The target group includes engineers who can learn about the latest developments, managers who can get a quick overview of trends, and sales managers looking for new opportunities. Chairman of the day of the 2015 edition was Prof. dr.ir. Jos Benschop, Senior Vice President Technology at ASML in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. In his characteristic manner, informal and witty, he introduced the speakers and directed the lively Q&A sessions after the presentations. During the breaks there was an exhibition with companies and knowledge institutes, which provided ample opportunities for knowledge transfer and networking.

Optical metrology
One of the speakers was Prof. Ralf Bergmann, Managing Director of BIAS (Bremer Institut für angewandte Strahltechnik), based in Bremen, Germany. He talked about optical metrology for micro-parts and demonstrated that this can be performed using LED light sources, which provide a cheap and eye-safe alternative to lasers. The technology can be applied, for instance, in the inspection of micro-electromechanical systems.

Stable optomechanics
Ir. Ruud Beerens, Senior Architect Opto-Mechanics at ASML, discussed design guidelines for stable optomechanics and illustrated these with the design case of an optical postion sensor. The stability of optomechanical systems is essential for the performance of ASML’s lithography machines and the prevention of damage during transport. To reduce time-to-market, concurrent engineering is employed, involving a well-structured engineering process and close collaboration between the various disciplines.

High-tech shutter design
In a world full of advanced optomechatronic systems, there is still use for the ‘good old’ mechanical shutter, for instances in high-tech airborne cameras. That was the message of Dr. Wolfgang Robra, Head of Development at Hittech Prontor, based in Bad Wildbad in the Black Forest, Germany. He talked about light control by mechanical devices and presented the design of a patented system that combines diaphragm and shutter in one blade system, using piezo actuators and position-controlled blades.

Digital pathology
Medical technology is an an important application area for optomechatronics. Dr. Bas Hulsken, CTO Digital Pathology Solutions at Philips in Eindhoven, presented the case of high-throughput slide scanners for digital pathology. Philips has developed a digital pathology solution designed around the needs of pathologists, such as better working conditions and ease of processing and exchanging data. Digitisatio

n of the images that pathologists normally view through a microscope can enhance the operational efficiency and productivity of pathology departments. Hulsken detailed the challenges of high-speed imaging, and how these were addressed in the Philips slide scanner.

Courses   
The DSPE Optics and Optomechatronics Week comprises two top-class courses. The 2-day Optomechanics course – targeted at (systems) engineers, Ph.D. students and technicians – covers optics and optics mounting alignment, dynamics and thermal or material stability. A wide variety of examples from space, astronomy, defence and industry will be used to clarify theory, and many practical analytical tools will be presented. The course will be delivered by well-known expert Daniel Vukobratovich, Senior Scientist at Raytheon as well as Adjunct Professor in the College of Optical Sciences, University of Arizona, USA.

Collaboration

The 4-day SMETHODS+ course provides hands-on training in design and optimisation of optical imaging systems supported by a theoretical introduction. This course was developed in a European project by seven academic institutions that are leading in optical design. It exemplifies the collaboration, cross-disciplinary by nature, that is needed to foster optomechatronics, as was concluded by Symposium chairman of the day, Jos Benschop. “It is an important discipline for the precision engineering and high-tech systems industry and it’s very much alive and exciting.
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