The software generates height sections at different working distances. (Image: NanoFocus)

December 28, 2007 — NanoFocus AG and Digital Surf announced that micronsurf analysis surface analysis software, based on a new version of Digital Surf’s Mountains technology, has been integrated into NanoFocus’s micronsurf 3D topometers and micronscan profilometers.

The micronsurf 3-D topometer from NanoFocus is used by laboratories that measure and test 3-D technical surfaces with micro- and nanodimensional structures. Measurement data is available in a few seconds for analysis by the integrated micronsurf analysis software, based on Digital Surf’s Mountains technology, which the partners call “the worldwide reference in 2-D / 3-D surface analysis.” Standalone and network versions of the software are available on three levels to meet different user requirements.

NanoFocus micronsurf technology is based on fast optical filtering carried out by a confocal spatial filter. The micronsurf 3-D topometer uses a fast confocal imaging technique to capture precise, sharp three-dimensional images of surface topography in a single fast measurement operation.

Equipped with a precise computer-controlled objective lens drive, the micronsurf generates height sections at different working distances. Only components of reflected light that are in focus are captured by CCD camera sensor.

Out-of-focus components are blocked by special multi-pinhole filters. The height sections are stored consecutively in an image stack and a special software algorithm calculates the 3D topography.