FAQs

Basically the electronic components and software are upgraded. These include: A new 1-megapixel measurement camera and an alignment camera if applicable, motor controller, new remote control, phase shifter drivers, computer and monitor and replacing the proprietary cables (often thick and vibration inducing) with thin industry standard USB cables. The system is checked for alignment and cleaned. The software included is the latest Windows 64 bit operating system and ÄPRE REVEAL data acquisition, analysis and reporting software. Final testing proves the system operates as expected. You ship to ÄPRE an obsolete or broken system, and you are returned an interferometer working to it theoretical best.

Typical failure items are motors, frozen zoom lenses (will not zoom), slipping clutches, delaminating optics, broken PZT’s, contaminants buried deep within a lens assembly or grossly out of alignment optical paths. These repairs are beyond an upgrade and therefore are quoted as a contingency fee. If required we will notify you, quote the cost of repair, and only perform the repair if you desire. If no repairs are performed the contingency fee is not charged.

In many cases yes. An upgraded zoom interferometer can perform as well as a new zoom interferometer with a 1-Megapixel camera. These zoom imaging systems have changed little since designed in 1978. In many cases the zoom lenses are the same part number! The newer (post 1995) interferometers will probably perform as well as new, with the exclusion of potential optical component degradation.

Some interferometers are beyond repair or the cost of repair is not justifiable. Also there are some interferometers that were never designed to be phase shifting interferometers, one example is the Zygo® PTI designed in the 1980s, it cannot be upgraded.

The laser is a maintenance part and not included in the upgrade. ÄPRE can replace a failed laser while upgrading, or at anytime required. Please contact us to replace your laser.

Upgrades can be performed in as little as two weeks. This is especially true of GPI/Verifire systems and if advance notice is provided. The average time is three weeks and for some unique interferometers or where major repairs are required up to six weeks. Rush upgrades can be provided if desired.

If your present system (most likely a zoom optical design) meets your everyday needs but is at increased risk of failure (>5 year since the last upgrade) then upgrading is the most economical solution. If you need new performance buying a new zoom system will not improve the performance you presently have with the old zoom system after upgrade. If you are buying new, buy a modern fixed magnification interferometer with diffraction limited imaging, low retrace error, low distortion and high fringe resolution. A modern interferometer will increase your production capabilities, an obsolete zoom system will duplicate what you already have.

These are sometimes the easiest as they are already designed for OEM software to drive them. REVEAL was designed to accommodate different cameras and drivers. We will try to use all the cameras and phase shifter electronics available. This might require software drivers to be written at a minor extra cost. Overall the cost is similar to upgrading a commercial interferometer.

Please refer to the recommended packing and shipping instructions on our website. All upgrades are performed at our facility in Tucson AZ. Shipping is not included in the price of an upgrade.

This is not recommended as the cost of travel and labor are not justifiable. During an upgrade several people are required, including technicians and optical engineers. Unless the system is not movable, the systems are shipped to ÄPRE in Tucson, AZ, for upgrade.

Please call us at 520.639.8195, email us at FAQ@apre-inst.com or use our contact page to send us your question we will respond within two business days.