Designs / Motion

Laser Auto-Focus System

Capacitive sensing and stepper motor system for real-time laser focal-distance tracking

Keypad / display, system controller, and auto-focus assembly

Overview

Holding focus on a changing profile

The Laser Track auto-focus system maintains a preset focal distance by tracking the profile of the target object using capacitive sensing.

This microprocessor-based system uses a stepper motor linear actuator integrated into the gas jet / lens assembly of a laser beam delivery system.

The assembly is jogged to the proper focal distance from the keypad / display, then calibrated to that position. The system then tracks the profile of the target object in real time.

±0.0005"

Typical accuracy

1.0"/sec

Rate of change

Capacitive

Sensing method

Stepper

Linear actuator

Specifications

Technical detail

Sensing & Motion

Sensing method	Capacitive
Actuator	Stepper motor linear actuator
Integration	Gas jet / lens assembly of laser beam delivery system
Typical accuracy	±0.0005" at 1.0"/sec rate of change

Control

Control type	Microprocessor-based
Operator interface	Keypad / display with jog and calibrate functions
Tracking	Real-time target profile tracking
Components	Keypad / display, system controller, auto-focus assembly

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