Novel Multi-target Distance Metrology for Multi-probe Application using Chirped Laser

This 3 year project intends to develop a new high repetition mode hop free chirped laser that allows major enhancements in an combined multilateration (CM) instrument. This will enable additional distance measurements to be carried out at an accuracy of 0.1mm over a distance of 10m. This project will require an experienced RA to develop the laser and detection system so that a state of the art instrument can be realised. The RA will be expected to work closely with NPL and be based at their facility in the third year. The research will produce an instrument that greatly simplifies manufacturing measurements without compromising accuracy. Commercially, this instrument will have a market potential of 10m/year and will provide enormous added value to the UK's manufacturing potential.

The world beating CM instrument that will be enabled by this research will have numerous commercial and academic impacts. The pathways to impact will involve a combination of : 1) Identifying and engaging with commercial end users; 2) Identifying applications in a variety of environments with commercial users; 3) Establish links with researchers in a number of fields (including astronomy and particle physics) who may be able to develop applications for research outcomes; 4) Developing relationships with Renishaw and others to identify market opportunities; 5) Examine exploitation opportunities for the novel tuneable laser; 6) Filing key patents in this area alongside NPL via the Collaboration Agreement; 7) Dissemination of the research via academic publications; Commercially, the chirped laser CM instrument will enable cost effective real-time measurements on large artefacts without the necessary down time of measuring off line. This real-time but accurate measurement capability combined with the conventional CM data will radically change the manufacturing process and build time and help to reduce unnecessary waste. One key end user of the new instrument would be Airbus who have made large investments in new planes and where the cost of the plane is paramount (expected reduction in airplane costs are 1M/year). In order to achieve lower cost planes the whole manufacturing process requires a step change and metrology will play a key role in this. Providing real-time metrology within the shop floor environment can and will enable the changes required through reduced process time, less waste and easier component marrying. A direct service would also be provided by NPL for calibrated measurements based on this instrument. We also envisage enormous exploitation opportunities for the novel tuneable laser. These include spectroscopic applications such as paint pigmentation analysis (high volume, low cost), Raman/lidar/DNA sequencers (reasonable volume, high cost), sensors applications (distributed FBG sensors), bar code scanners, display (vector scanning etc) etc. These markets could in themselves be very significant and all would benefit from this important research. Again for these markets we foresee exploitation routes through companies such as Renishaw (Raman) and Cymtec (laser module).The dissemination of the research will be via publications such as Applied Optics, Optics Letts, IEEE measurement and Instrumentation, and key conferences such as CLEO, Photonics West etc so as to ensure that all relevant sectors are made aware of the impact of this technology.