White Light Interferometry (WLI)

White Light Interferometry provides quantitative surface topography information from all solid materials.

The resolution of the measurements are ~0.5µm in the lateral (X, Y) plane and ~1nm in the height (Z) plane. This allows microfeatures and large scale topographic variations to be monitored in detail.
Surface metrology data is presented in the form of pseudo-colour height maps, 3D images, line profiles and surface roughness parameters (e.g. Ra, Rz).

  • Height maps, 3D images and movies to illustrate the surface topography
  • Profilometry - Measurement of feature heights /  depths on the nm – mm scale using line profiles
  • Surface roughness parameters -  including Sa – mean surface roughness; Sp - highest peak of the surface; Sv - deepest valley; Sy - total height between highest peak and deepest hole; Sz - mean of distance between the five highest peaks and five deepest holes.
  • Measurement of transparent film thickness in the 0.2µm – 50µm range.

Typical Applications

  • Characterisation of surface defects, stains and residues on metals, glasses and polymers
  • Measurement of coating film thickness and uniformity on arterial stents
  • Monitoring the effect of acid erosion on human tooth enamel
  • Measurement of wear scars in tribological studies.

Typical Industries using White Light Interferometry

  • Healthcare
  • Medical Device
  • Printing
  • Packaging
  • Semiconductors
  • Electronics
  • Aerospace
  • Automotive.

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WLI - At a Glance

Information: Quantitative surface topography and roughness parameters

Area Analysed: From ~100mm x 100mm to ~60µm x 80µm

Film Thickness: transparent films from ~200nm - ~50µm thick

Imaging: Yes

Image Resolution: ~0.5µm in X,Y; 1nm in Z

Data Output: Height maps, line profiles, 3D images and movies