Laser confocal sensor metrology system

Abstract

The present invention provides apparatus for a non-contact method of obtaining accurate three-dimensional measurements of a dry contact lens, more specifically, using dry lens metrology to know the exact thickness of a contact lens.

1 . An apparatus for measuring an un-hydrated device, the apparatus comprising:
 a displacement sensor comprising a laser source, wherein the laser source is capable of generating a laser beam;   an objective lens additionally comprised in the displacement sensor, wherein the objective lens comprises an optical lens which focuses the laser beam;   an oscillator for oscillating the objective lens;   a forming optic supporting a polymerized optic device, said forming optic positioned in the path of the laser beam; and   a camera for determining a relative sharpness of a focal point of the laser beam through the objective lens.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the displacement sensor has an operating range of 30 mm or less. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the displacement sensor is capable of measuring a thickness of between about plus 1 millimeter to minus 1 millimeter. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor rotation axis. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a sensor adjuster wherein, one or more of said sensor adjuster may one or both of align and adjust the displacement sensor. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 5 , wherein the sensor adjuster comprises one or more of an x sensor adjuster, a y sensor adjuster, and a z sensor adjuster. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the oscillator is capable of moving the objective lens up and down between two points. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the forming optic comprises a glass. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the forming optic comprises a quartz. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a kinematic mounting device. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 10 , the kinematic mounting device operates as a mounting device for a forming optic assembly. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the mounting device secures the forming optic assembly in a fixed position, relative to another position. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 12 , wherein the forming optic assembly comprises both of the forming optic and a metal frame. 
     
     
         14 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a forming optic rotation axis. 
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a forming optic adjuster wherein, one or more of said forming optic adjuster may one or both of align and adjust the kinematic mount. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the forming optic adjuster comprises one or both of a forming optic x adjuster and a forming optic y adjuster.