The Norland ACCIS AC 3000 is a fully automated, non contact interferometric system specifically designed for measuring the microstructure and surface topography in 3 dimensions on fibre optic connectors. This system uses monochromatic phase shift techniques to quickly map smooth surfaces. In addition the system can quickly change to white light (broad band) interferometry, the latest state of the art technology, to handle difficult, rough surfaces, measure fibres with diameters in excess of 125 microns and eliminate ambiguities in step heights over one fringe. This provides extra versatility for measuring protruded fibre connectors and for identifying fibre pushback in connectors.
The unit is designed on an extra stable, inverted microscope design which provides a large platform at the top to allow easy installation of the connector to be inspected.
Features:
Automatic measurement of:
· Vertical and horizontal radius of curvature
· Vertical and horizontal angle of polish
· Spherical fibre heights
· Planar fibre heights
· Dome height
Display and Print
· Live Image
· Colour Contour Maps with Profiles
· 3D Isometric Display
Data
Test data is stored in a .dat file and the file may be given an appropriate name, such as a project name or a Works Order or Customer Order Number or similar identifier. The data may then be transferred to a spreadsheet program, such as Excel in order that statistical analysis be carried out on the results, for example applying mean and standard deviation calculations on a series of results. The parameters to be displayed in Excel are selected in the Options menu of the ACCIS software.
Image data is stored in a .nld file allowing the graphical results to be stored and retrieved at a later date.
The Set Up menu allows selection of fibre size and types of ferrule (spherical or angle polish) and choice of Pass / Fail flags. Under the Pass Fail the criteria can be user defined or IEC specification may be selected where the Pass Fail value of undercut is calculated with respect to the radius of curvature of the ferrule.
Computer System
The Pentium computer operates under a Windows operating system allowing integration into an existing network and therefore access to existing printers and storage of data on file servers. The system includes a 15" colour monitor, mouse, keyboard and all associated cabling.
Display and Printing
After making a measurement the computer screen will display the Live Image, Surface Contour, Surface Fit and 3D Mesh as well as the table of test data. By double clicking with the mouse on any image, it will be enlarged to fill the screen. Similarly either all the images may be printed or individual images may be printed, either in colour or black and white as required.
Connector Mounts
The system is supplied with a connector mount for measuring
most 2.5mm diameter ferrules, typically ST, FC and SC together
with key adaptors for measuring angle polished FC and SC connectors.
The tilt stage is micrometer adjusted up to 12 degrees thus allowing
most common angles of polish to be measured (8, 9 and 10 degree).
Additional connector mounts are available and are quickly interchanged
using 2 thumb screws.
