Frequency-comb enabled metrology for manufacturing

该提案旨在将当今最高精度的激光技术-光频梳-从实验室过渡到工厂，建立双梳距离计量技术，作为制造下一代精密工程产品的技术，其功能依赖于微/纳米级精度。光学技术构成了关键工业距离计量的基础，但面临着准确度、精度和动态范围之间的折衷。飞行时间方法在扩展的范围内提供mm精度，而干涉跟踪器实现nm精度，但没有绝对的位置精度。通过开发新的双梳计量技术，该项目将弥合精度和扩展范围精度之间的差距，提供可追溯的纳米精度，几乎无限的扩展范围操作。因此，对于制造业来说，梳状计量解决了如何以纳米/微米精度可验证地制造宏观尺度物体的重要问题。基于Heriot-Watt的频率梳专业知识，我们将开发Ti：sapphire和Er：fiber双梳，目的是演示使用Ti：sapphire的纳米精度受控环境计量，以及使用人眼安全的Er：fiber的微米精度自由空间测距。除了它们在精密计量中的新应用外，通过实施新的高效和紧凑的二极管泵浦方案，我们的研究将扩展激光梳技术，使这些系统适合在研究实验室以外的各种环境中部署，例如作为精密量子导航系统中的模块。我们的项目整合了关键的学术和工业合作伙伴，他们将贡献激光方面的资源和专业知识。这些技术包括：精密微光学（Powerphotonic）、工业计量和制造（雷尼绍）、超精密计量（EPSRC超精密创新制造中心和CDT超精密中心）以及天文学大型光学应用（STFC英国天文技术中心）。我们的合作伙伴的承诺证明了超过30万英镑的支持，其中包括14.5万英镑的现金，将主要用于支持两名EPSRC工程师和博士生招募到该项目。该项目与EPSRC的制造未来挑战主题和未来系统的ICT光子学优先事项，以及EPSRC的培训议程密切相关，通过吸引来自应用光子学CDT和超精密CDT的EngD和博士研究人员。更广泛地说，该项目将支持英国的高精度制造和计量界，具有潜在的学术和工业利益。到项目结束时，我们预计将在各种实际制造环境中演示和评估双梳距离计量（机器校准、过程控制、成品检查），并能够将技术转化为我们的工业和学术合作伙伴。

This proposal aims to transition today's highest precision laser technology -- optical frequency combs -- from the lab to the factory, establishing the technique of dual-comb distance metrology as an enabling technology for manufacturing the next generation of precision-engineered products, whose functionality relies on micro-/ nanoscale accuracy. Optical techniques form the basis of critical industrial distance metrology, but face compromises between accuracy, precision and dynamic range. Time-of-flight methods give mm accuracy over an extended range, while interferometric trackers achieve nm precision but with no absolute positional accuracy. By developing novel dual-comb metrology techniques, this project will bridge the gap between precision and extended-range accuracy, providing traceable nm precision, with almost unlimited extended-range operation. For manufacturing industry, comb metrology therefore addresses the important problem of how to verifiably fabricate macro-scale objects with nano-/micro-precision.Building on Heriot-Watt's frequency-comb expertise, we will develop Ti:sapphire and Er:fibre dual combs, with the aim of demonstrating nm-precision controlled-environment metrology using Ti:sapphire, and micron-precision free-space ranging using eye-safe Er:fibre. Besides their novel applications in precision metrology, by implementing new efficient and compact diode-pumping schemes our research will extend laser comb technology in a way that makes these systems suitable for deployment in a wide range of environments outside the research lab, for example as modules in a precision quantum navigation system.Our project integrates key academic and industrial partners who will contribute resources and expertise in lasers (Chromacity), precision micro-optics (Powerphotonic), industrial metrology and manufacturing (Renishaw), ultra-precision metrology (EPSRC Centre for Innovative Manufacturing in Ultra Precision and CDT in Ultra Precision) and applications in large optics for astronomy (STFC UK Astronomy Technology Centre). The commitment of our partners is evidenced by >£300K of support, including £145K of cash which will be used primarily to support two EPSRC EngD and PhD students recruited to the project.The project aligns closely with the EPSRC's Manufacturing the Future challenge theme and the ICT Photonics for Future Systems priority, as well as the EPSRC's training agenda, by engaging EngD and PhD researchers from the CDT in Applied Photonics and the CDT in Ultra Precision. More generally, the project will support the UK's high-precision manufacturing and metrology communities, with potential academic and industrial benefits.By the end of the project we expect to have demonstrated and evaluated dual-comb distance metrology in a variety of practical manufacturing contexts (machine calibration, in-process control, finished-product inspection), and to be in a position to translate the technology into our industrial and academic partners.