Leica Microsystems and Sensofar expand Cooperation Agreement in innovative Surface Metrology

Leica Microsystems (Schweiz AG) and Sensofar-Tech (Barcelona, Spain) and have agreed to expand their cooperation. Sensofar is to supply technology and components for an optical system that complements Leica Microsystems‘ line of products for industrial applications. Leica Microsystems will utilize the Sensofar technology plus Leica Microsystems’ high-end optical objectives to provide a new and complete solution for sophisticated optical profiling and 3D surface metrology with a vertical accuracy down to 0.1 nm.

The Leica Dual Core 3D Microscope (DCM 3D) combines confocal microscopy, interferometry and color imaging in one sensor head. Due to two LED light sources and the innovative confocal microdisplay technology without mechanically moving parts, the measurement system is nearly maintenance-free. Features such as the compact, robust design, high-end optics from Leica Microsystems, a 17 mm vertical scanning range and an outstanding vertical resolution down to 0.1 nm makes the Leica DCM 3D an exceptionally powerful tool for non-contact, highly precise and ultrafast analysis of micro- and nanogeometries of technical surfaces. The system is suitable for a wide variety of measuring applications in R&D and quality assurance laboratories all the way through to automated in-line process control.

The cooperation between Sensofar and Leica Microsystems stems from a successful pilot project that was launched for the European market in 2008. Even during the initial pilot phase, several Leica DCM 3D systems found interested buyers for a range of applications. The two companies now plan to expand their cooperation, venture into additional markets and continue their joint development efforts.

Leica Microsystems is a leading global designer and producer of innovative, high-tech, precision optical systems for the analysis of microstructures. It is one of the market leaders in each of its business areas: microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy with corresponding imaging systems, specimen preparation, and medical equipment. The company manufactures a broad range of products for numerous applications requiring microscopic imaging, measurement, and analysis.

Leica also offers system solutions for life science including biotechnology and medicine, research and development of raw materials, and industrial quality assurance. The company is represented in over 100 countries with 10 manufacturing facilities in 8 countries, sales and service organizations in 19 countries and an international network of dealers. The international management is headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany.

More information www.leica-microsystems.com