Paper 14108-8
Paper 14108-8
A framework for the automation of optical alignment tasks
13 April 2026 • 16:30 - 16:50 CEST | Madrid 1/Salon 3 (Niveau/Level 0)
Abstract
Assembly of precision optical systems is generally not achievable by precision placement alone; an alignment step is required to correct for manufacturing and tolerance variations. At present the majority of these alignment processes are accomplished manually requiring well trained staff and at significant cost. Although there are numerous examples of academic, and industrial, implemented automated alignment systems there is no generally accepted framework for applying system identification, complexity classification and design rules for automation into optical systems.
We present a framework for identifying and classifying an alignment problem according to the complexity from the perspective of system automation. This is combined with observations on how the complexity of an alignment problem may be manipulated by design choices and the implications that design-for-automation rules have, as well as cost benefit calculations from the perspective of industrial precision-optical system manufacture.Presenter
Richard M. Carter
Heriot-Watt Univ. (United Kingdom)
Dr Carter is an Associate Professor of applied photonics at Heriot-Watt University. His research interests revolve around precision laser manufacturing, optical system automation and fibre optics. Projects have included: high power beam delivery with novel hollow core fibre optics; fibre optic environmental sensing; micro material processing including machining, drilling and welding; microwelding of highly dissimilar materials; the use of robotics to align optical systems and novel beamshaping techniques. He is a member of the Applied Optics and Photonics Group, The Institute of Photonics and Quantum Sciences and the National Robotarium where he serves as the Academic Lead in Precision Laser Applications. Outside of the University he is a Vice President of the Association of Industrial Laser Users.