Project Info

Optical Metrology for Advanced Manufacturing II

The ability to optically monitor the physics/conditions of the light-matter interaction found in a laser powder bed fusion system is a key milestone for the advanced manufacturing industry. A successful optical metrology system has the potential to dramatically improve the throughput of these devices by enabling essentially defect free part production for example. Further, real-time measurements could enable feedback loops to control the material conditions during the build, enabling part production that is presently not possible.

We have a 400 W continuous laser as the fusing source, in place. The 2019 MURF resulted in the build of a completed laser powder bed fusion test chamber that will now be used for upcoming studies Fall 2020 / Spring 2021. Laser scanners and data acquisition system is built.

Grand Engineering: Engineer the tools of scientific discovery

Student Preparation

Qualifications

Knowledge of the basic laser powder bed fusion build process.

Time Commitment

25-30 hours/month

Skills/Techniques Gained

This Fall we will be integrating a spatial frequency light modulation imaging (SPIFI) system for imaging/monitoring the laser fusion process in real-time. The student will gain skills in state-of-the-art imaging. SPIFI was co-developed by CSU & CSM faculty and is the first single element detection imaging system that breaks traditional resolution limits! The student will experience first hand pushing the limits of optical technologies to break new scientific and engineering ground.

Mentoring Plan

Student will establish weekly hours for the project. I will overlap for minimum 1 hour per week in the lab with student. John Czerski, a PhD student in the my group who was involved in the planning and trouble shooting of experiments in the previous year, will be available for consultation each week. The student is also strongly encouraged to take advantage of my (Squier) office hours each week.