Project: Reference algorithms and metrology on aspherical and freeform lenses

Aspheres and freeform surfaces are components used in a variety of optical systems, from medical imaging to astronomy. They deliver better image quality compared to traditional spherical elements and as a result their use is growing rapidly. However, the ability to develop higher-performance aspheres and freeform surfaces is limited by the precision with which the shape of their surface can be measured. Although modern optical polishing techniques can remove material at the nanometre level, measurement techniques are unable to measure with the same degree of precision. This project will build on the work of the previous EMRP project IND10 Form, which achieved measurements below 100 nanometres, by developing new measurement capabilities within European National Measurement Institutes to routinely measure below 30 nanometres. The capabilities developed will strengthen Europe’s position in global optics, and will be used by industry to develop a new level in optical device performance.

Acronym 15SIB01 FreeFORM (Reference Number: 15SIB01)
Duration 01/06/2016 - 01/06/2019
Project Topic Metrology
Project Results
(after finalisation)
See Website
Website visit project website
Network EMPIR
Call EMPIR CALL 2015

Project partner

Number Name Role Country
1 Laboratoire national de métrologie et d'essais Coordinator France
2 Cesky Metrologicky Institut Partner Czech Republic
3 Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt Partner Germany
4 Federale Overheidsdienst Economie, KMO, Middenstand en Energie Partner Belgium
5 Turkiye Bilimsel ve Teknolojik Arastirma Kurumu Partner Türkiye
6 Teknologian tutkimuskeskus VTT Oy Partner Finland
7 Ecole Normale Supérieure de Cachan Partner France
8 Ústav fyziky plazmatu AV ČR, v. v. i. Partner Czech Republic
9 Itä-Suomen yliopisto Partner Finland
10 The University of Nottingham Partner United Kingdom
11 Universitaet Stuttgart Partner Germany
12 National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology Observer Japan
13 Fudan University Observer China
14 GEOMNIA Observer France
15 IBS Precision Engineering bv Observer Netherlands
16 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Observer China
17 THALES ANGENIEUX SAS Observer France
18 Trioptics GmbH Observer Germany
19 Universidade de Brasília Observer Brazil