The power of 3D inspection, from aerospace to MedTech

Reliable 3D inspection has a direct impact across sectors:

• In aerospace and energy, to detect micro-defects before they compromise safety
• In automotive and manufacturing, to validate precision parts quickly and non-destructively
• In MedTech applications, where minimally invasive imaging is key.

These tools reduce downtime, improve reliability in confined environments and cut costs by avoiding unnecessary interventions. They bring laboratory-grade optical precision to field-ready inspection applications. Such optical technology has the potential to redefine quality control and diagnostics.

Turning interferometry into a compact, reliable tool

Pushing the limits of optical innovation, the Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech team and IT Concepts developed a compact interferometric 3D borescope, overcoming several technical barriers in the process: 

• Avoiding mechanical movement inside the probe, while still enabling the optical path difference scans of the temporal domain OCT.
• Maintaining light injection stability in fiber-based setups.
• Transmitting coherent information through flexible fiber bundles to a camera.
• Miniaturizing all components’ design to fit into an 8 mm probe head without losing performance.

The result is a proof-of-concept 3D borescope that demonstrates how interferometry can be adapted for compact and flexible use. For life sciences, this could mean:

• Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) imaging for high-resolution depth scans.
• An optical design for polarization control to preserve signal quality.
• A 3D camera integrating pixel-level demodulation (Heliotis heliSens) for real-time interferometric imaging.
• A double interferometer setup to keep the scanning mechanism outside the probe head.
• Fiber-bundle validation transport of the sample interference image.

Step by step, each subsystem was tested and validated under rigorous frameworks – ISO9001 and EN9100 – before integration into a working demonstrator.

From optical expertise to industrial impact

Turning these concepts into reality takes more than clever design. It requires a blend of deep optical and interferometry expertise, precision engineering for system integration and structured R&D. By combining interferometry know-how with industrial-grade processes, we co-develop tailor-made optical systems that translate advanced methods like OCT into robust, field-ready tools the industry can rely on.

The result is a major step toward next-generation 3D borescopes: compact, flexible and precise. By systematically solving the challenges of interferometric imaging in tight geometries, we’re paving the way for practical tools that can transform industrial inspection.

High-tech optical innovation is redefining what’s possible for industry. Curious to know more about  3D precision in deployable systems? Let’s discuss your optical challenges!

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Key trends that caught our attention

1. Next-Generation Sensors & Components

New technologies and components are rapidly emerging, driven by significant AR/VR development investments. We saw exciting advancements in micro-optics, including integrated waveguides, gratings, and polymer-based waveguides. One standout innovation was the 1-billion-pixel sensor, pushing the boundaries of high-resolution imaging.

While current high-end imaging solutions range from 20 to 300 million pixels, this new sensor represents a leap — 50 times more powerful than standard cameras. However, designing optics for such large sensors presents challenges. High-performance lenses must be precisely engineered to match the sensor’s scale, ensuring the best possible image quality. This is where Lambda-X’s expertise in optical design can make a real difference, developing solutions that maximize sensor potential.

2. Nanoimprint Lithography & Meta-Lenses

Nanoimprint lithography is a high-resolution, cost-effective nanofabrication technique that uses a patterned mold to mechanically imprint nanoscale structures onto a substrate. Recent advancements are enabling the mass production of meta-lenses, ultra-thin, high-performance optical elements that open up new design possibilities.

Meta-lenses—wafer-thin optical chips—offer precise control over light behavior, providing lightweight, compact, and high-performance alternatives to traditional lenses. Their scalability through semiconductor fabrication makes them both cost-effective and versatile, paving the way for widespread adoption in photonics and sensing applications.

The SPIE Startup Challenge recognized this technology’s significance, awarding Photosynthetic B.V. second place for their work in meta-optics; a clear indication of its growing impact.

3. Optical technologies for a better environment

The SPIE Startup Challenge also spotlighted breakthroughs in CO₂ monitoring for water systems. Max-IR Labs’ AquaCarbon Monitor, an advanced infrared chip, enables precise CO₂ measurement, improving carbon credit validation.

This innovation underscores the increasing role of optical technologies in environmental monitoring, with infrared (IR) sensors also driving progress in industrial process control, medical diagnostics, and biochemical analysis.

At the heart of optical metrology

At our booth, Dominique Blanc and Luc Joannes from Lambda-X Ophthalmics presented live demonstrations of NIMO TEMPO, the high-precision IOL metrology system. Visitors experienced firsthand how our vibration-insensitive interferometry enables faster, more reliable lens quality control.

The feedback was exceptional: many customers measured and analyzed IOLs they had designed and manufactured for the first time with such precision. While they had a theoretical understanding of their lenses’ geometry, they had never seen such accurate real-world data before. This reinforced the value of high-precision metrology tools in ophthalmics, providing insights that drive better lens design and quality assurance.

What’s next for optical innovation?

Beyond the exhibits, SPIE Photonics West highlighted how advancements in quantum computing, fusion, AR/VR, and AI are shaping the future of optics. The event showcased breakthroughs in miniaturization, microfabrication, and next-generation lasers and components: technologies set to drive transformative applications in the coming years.

As Lambda-X High-Tech continues to push the boundaries of optical engineering, we are committed to turning these insights into cutting-edge innovations.

Missed us at Photonics West? Let’s connect! We’re always eager to discuss new collaborations and optical challenges. Get in touch with our team to explore how we can help bring your next photonics innovation to life!

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