Basson bi-telecentric lens: large field of view, high precision!

Basson’s bi-telecentric lenses have emerged as a paragon of excellence in the field of precision optical imaging, particularly the STS11215380CL and the STS39215380FL models. These lenses are not only a proof of Basson’s technological prowess but also play a pivotal role in various industries where high-precision visual inspection and measurement are of utmost importance.

Telecentric lenses, in general, are designed to provide a constant magnification regardless of the object’s distance within the depth of field. This is achieved by making the chief ray of the lens parallel to the optical axis both on the object and the image sides. Bi-telecentric lenses take this concept a step further, ensuring telecentricity on both the object and the image planes simultaneously.

In contrast to traditional lenses, which may suffer from perspective distortion, bi-telecentric lenses offer a more accurate representation of the object being imaged. This is crucial in applications such as metrology, where precise dimensional measurements are required. The absence of perspective distortion means that the size of an object appears the same regardless of its position within the field of view, enabling highly accurate measurements.

The STS11215380CL has already made a mark in the industry with its remarkable performance. One of its most striking features is the expansive 215mm field of view. This not only increases the efficiency of the inspection process but also reduces the need for multiple images to be stitched together, which can introduce inaccuracies. Moreover, the STS11215380CL boasts high contrast, which is essential for clearly differentiating between different features of an object. High contrast images make it easier to identify details, such as defects or fine structures. High uniformity across the entire field of view ensures that the image quality is consistent throughout, eliminating any variations in brightness or color that could affect the accuracy of analysis.

Low distortion is another key aspect of this lens. Distortion can cause objects to appear deformed, leading to inaccurate measurements. With the low distortion of the STS11215380CL, users can trust that the images they capture are true representations of the objects. Additionally, the low telecentricity of the full field of view further enhances the precision of the lens, ensuring that the optical performance remains consistent across the entire image area. Pairing the Basson bi-telecentric lens with a camera featuring a large target surface is a game-changer. A large target surface camera can capture more light and has a greater number of pixels, which, when combined with the large field of view of the lens, significantly improves the visual precision.

The larger target surface allows for a higher resolution image to be captured within the given field of view. This means that finer details can be resolved, leading to more accurate measurements and more sensitive defect detection. For example, in the semiconductor industry, where the inspection of micro-sized components is crucial, the combination of a large field of view lens and a large target surface camera can enable the detection of even the smallest defects on chips.

The Basson STS39215380FL telecentric lens builds upon the success of its predecessors and offers even more impressive features. It maintains Basson’s reputation for high performance across the full field of view (FOV) and depth of field (DOF). When paired with a large target surface camera with a pixel size of 4.6μm, the visual accuracy of the STS39215380FL can reach an astonishing 25μm. This level of precision is remarkable in many applications and makes it an ideal choice for industries that demand the highest level of accuracy. For instance, in the automotive industry, where the measurement of engine components or the inspection of vehicle parts for quality control is critical, the 25μm visual accuracy can ensure that only parts that meet the strictest tolerances are approved for use.

The ability of the STS39215380FL to handle both size measurement and defect detection is a significant advantage. In size measurement applications, its high precision ensures that the dimensions of objects are measured accurately, which is crucial for maintaining product quality and ensuring compatibility in assembly processes. In defect detection, the lens can identify even the most subtle flaws, such as cracks, scratches, or surface irregularities, on a wide range of materials and products.

Basson also offers an extended depth of field version of the STS39215380FL lens, with a depth of field that reaches an impressive 48.13mm. The extended depth of field is highly beneficial in applications where the object being inspected has varying heights or when the focus needs to be maintained over a larger range of distances. For example, in 3D printing, where the printed objects may have complex geometries with different levels of height, the extended depth of field lens can ensure that the entire object is in focus. This allows for accurate inspection of the entire printed part, from the base to the topmost layers, without the need to refocus the lens multiple times. In the medical device manufacturing, when inspecting components with irregular surfaces, the extended depth of field can provide a clear and focused image of the entire object, enabling efficient quality control.

In semiconductor manufacturing, the precision requirements are extremely high. The Basson bi-telecentric lenses are used for inspecting wafers, integrated circuits, and other micro-components. The large field of view allows for the inspection of a significant portion of the wafer in one go, while the high precision ensures that even the tiniest defects, such as nanometer-scale scratches or missing connections on the circuit, can be detected. The ability to accurately measure the dimensions of the semiconductor features is also crucial for ensuring the proper functioning of the final product.

The automotive industry relies heavily on quality control during the manufacturing process. Basson’s lenses are used for inspecting engine parts, such as pistons, crankshafts, and cylinder heads, to ensure that they meet the strict tolerances required for optimal performance. The high-precision size measurement capabilities of the lenses are used to verify that the parts are manufactured to the correct specifications. Additionally, the defect detection feature helps in identifying any surface imperfections that could lead to premature failure of the components.

In the production of consumer electronics, such as smartphones and tablets, the use of Basson bi-telecentric lenses is widespread. These lenses are used for inspecting printed circuit boards (PCBs) to detect soldering defects, missing components, or misaligned parts. The large field of view enables quick inspection of the entire PCB, while the high precision ensures that even the smallest soldering joints are examined thoroughly.

Medical devices need to be of the highest quality and precision to ensure patient safety. Basson’s lenses are used for inspecting components of medical devices, such as syringes, and surgical instruments. The extended depth of field version is particularly useful when inspecting devices with complex geometries. The high-contrast and high-uniformity features of the lenses help in clearly identifying any potential defects or manufacturing flaws that could affect the performance of the medical device.

In the aerospace industry, where the reliability of components is of utmost importance, Basson bi-telecentric lenses are used for inspecting aircraft parts. From turbine blades to structural components, the lenses are used to measure dimensions accurately and detect any signs of wear, fatigue, or damage. The large field of view allows for the inspection of large-sized parts efficiently, while the high precision ensures that even the slightest defect that could compromise the safety of the aircraft is detected.

As technology continues to evolve, the demand for even higher precision and larger field of view in optical imaging will only increase. Basson is likely to continue investing in research and development to further improve the performance of its bi-telecentric lenses. One area of potential development could be in the improvement of the lens materials and coatings. New materials with better optical properties could be used to reduce aberrations and improve the overall image quality. Advanced coatings could be developed to enhance the light-gathering efficiency of the lens, leading to brighter and more detailed images.

Another aspect could be the integration of machine learning algorithms with the lens-camera systems. This could enable real-time analysis of the images captured, allowing for instant identification of defects and measurement results. The combination of high-precision optical imaging and intelligent data analysis would further enhance the capabilities of Basson’s bi-telecentric lenses in various industries.

Basson’s bi-telecentric lenses, particularly the STS11215380CL and the STS39215380FL, have established themselves as leaders in the field of precision optical imaging. Their unique combination of large field of view, high precision, and versatility makes them indispensable in a wide range of industries. With continuous technological advancements, these lenses are expected to play an even more significant role in the future, driving innovation and improving quality control processes across various sectors.

Basson focuses on machine vision products used for precision measurement and defect detection.

Basson not only provides high-precision bi-telecentric lens systems, telecentric lens systems, telecentric light sources, coaxial illuminations and optical lenses, but also offers customized services.

With products designed in Germany, business planned in the UK and products made in China, Basson is able to provide superior products to customers through its global team. Currently, Basson is in preparation of production and assembly of products in Japan.

Dr. Liu Lu, acting as CTO of Basson, is a PhD degree holder of Oxford University.

Production and testing instruments include optical vacuum coating machines manufactured by Satis in Switzerland and Leybold in Germany, a laser interferometer from Zygo in the US, a spectrophotometer from PerkinElmer in the US, a spherometer from Hofbauer Optik in Germany, a centering instrument from Kyoritsu Electric in Japan, a NC grinding device made by Kojima Engineering in Japan and an automatic centering machine made by Shonan in Japan.