Using Laser Microscopy to Evaluate the Scratch Resistance of Vehicle-Mounted Camera Lenses

Engineers are always looking for ways to enhance automobile safety. One innovation that is becoming increasingly popular is advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). An ADAS utilizes a series of vehicle-mounted cameras that provide a driver with information about their surroundings to improve safety.

The Role of Vehicle-Mounted Camera Lenses to Measure the Shape of Scratches

Rearview camera.

These onboard cameras are generally divided into two categories—view cameras that are designed to enhance the driver's view, such as during parking, and sensor cameras that use images to identify humans and cars in front of and behind the vehicle.

Because the cameras are mounted on the vehicle’s exterior, it is essential that they are scratch resistant. If the lenses get scratched, the images may become cloudy. To make these lenses more resistant to scratches, camera lens manufacturers regularly experiment with different materials and coatings.

Each material is tested, and any observed scratches are quantitatively evaluated to accurately measure the coating or material’s performance.

Evident' Solution

The OLS5000 3D scanning laser microscope has features that enable users to effectively measure the shape and size of scratches, making it an ideal solution for evaluating camera lens material’s scratch resistance.

Quantitative Scratch Evaluation

Evident’ objective lenses are designed for use with the microscope’s 405 nm laser, enabling a horizontal resolution of 0.12 µm. This fine resolution allows the microscope to acquire accurate data for shallow scratches on the camera lens’ surface.

Multiple 3D images can be horizontally stitched together so that users can view the data acquired over a large area. This feature is especially useful when evaluating lenses that display numerous scratches.

In cases where a transparent coating is applied to a camera lens, the microscope’s top layer detection filter enables users to analyze only the data from the top surface layer. This approach helps prevent the accidental acquisition of data at the interface between the lens and coating.

Using the microscope’s laser differential interference contrast (DIC) observation mode, it is possible to detect shallow, nanometer-level scratches or foreign matter.

Additionally, the microscope’s extension frame can accommodate samples up to 210 mm (8.27 in.) tall. Even working with these tall samples, a 20X objective can measure objects up to 25 mm (0.98 in.) deep.

Measuring the shape of an unscratched camera lens surface

Measuring the shape of an unscratched camera lens surface.
The uniform surface is also found in the profile.

The shape of a scratched camera surface

The shape of a scratched camera surface
* Scratches can be identified in the 3D image.
* Even for a scratch less than 1 µm deep, the shape can be accurately measured in the profile.  Image Credit: Evident Corporation - Industrial Microscopy

Products Used for This Application

Evident LEXT OLS5000 laser scanning confocal microscope

LEXT OLS5000 laser scanning microscope.

The Evident LEXT™ OLS5000 laser scanning confocal microscope helps facilitate the efficient production of noncontact, nondestructive 3D observations and measurements. The system can measure fine shapes at the submicron level, at the touch of a button.

This ease of use is combined with a range of leading-edge features, such as an acquisition speed four times faster than previous versions. Customers working with larger samples can benefit from using the LEXT long working distance objectives, while an extended frame option allows the system to efficiently accommodate samples as large as 210 mm.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Evident Corporation - Industrial Microscopy.

For more information on this source, please visit Evident Corporation - Industrial Microscopy

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