When it comes to precision measurement of high-NA aspheres, there’s a new kid in town who’s out to make life easier for everybody. Taylor Hobson Ltd. has introduced the PGI Blu, a new 3-D instrument that does exactly that. The instrument’s new “factory floor” interface provides single-click operation, according to company representative Mark Middleton. In a presentation at Optifab 2009, Middleton outlined the applications, advantages and workings of the instrument. Steep-sided aspheric optics and molds, he said, are used in a wide range of products, including Blu-ray DVD optics, cell phone and digital camera lenses, laser collimation, high-power LED lenses, fiber coupling optics and IR/defense optics, among others. The PGI Blu has a form measurement capability of less than 50 nm; it can measure angles as steep as 85° and provide surface texture analysis with 0.2 nm resolution. The automated system improves production yields, reduces costs and improves staff utilization by reducing training time and eliminating the need for instrument supervision, he said. And that can spell increased profits for the customer. And its one-click operation is a big advantage for businesses, Middleton said. “You can set it up and click ‘go’ and then go for a coffee, if you’re from the UK,” he joked. “Or you can get more work done, if you’re from the rest of the world.” (Middleton himself is from the UK.) Taylor Hobson, part of the Ultra Precision Technologies Div. of Ametek Inc., a US corporation based in Paoli, Pa., is an ultraprecision technology company providing contact and noncontact measurement solutions. Laura S. Marshall laura.marshall@laurin.com