Chromatic Confocal Sensor
Products
CONTROLLER
Compact high-performance chromatic confocal sensor controller
High-performance chromatic confocal sensor controller with 4 channels
SENSOR HEAD
- ±0.8 mm range
- 6.5 mm WD
- 3.2 μm error
- Excellent for nanometer-level measurements.
±6 mm range
43.9 mm WD
4 μm error
70 μm spot
Robust performance in industrial settings.
±3.2 mm range
32.5 mm WD
2 μm error
Suitable for high-temp/high-pressure environments.
±8 mm range
68.45 mm WD
2.5 μm error
Handles reflective and transparent materials.
±0.23 mm range
7.0 mm WD
0.2 μm error
Ultra-compact with excellent angle (44°).
±1.2 mm range
9.09 mm WD
0.4 μm error
Compact high-precision with 12.8 μm spot.
| Model | Working Distance (mm) | Measuring Range (mm) | Non-linear Error (μm) | Angle Characteristics | Spot size (μm) |
| HPS-CFL005 | 4.06 | ±2.395 | 2.70 | ±8.2° | 25.0 |
| HPS-CFL007 | 6.50 | ±0.8 | 3.20 | ±10° | 50.0 |
| HPS-CFL008A | 9.20 | ±0.67 | 0.57 | ±15.5° | 16.0 |
| HPS-CFL008B | 4.10 | ±0.544 | 0.28 | ±28.2° | 13.0 |
| HPS-CFL010 | 7.50 | ±1.25 | 6.00 | ±12.5° | 60.0 |
| HPS-CFL010B | 4.20 | ±0.34 | 0.40 | ±30° | 13.0 |
| HPS-CFL015 | 14.60 | ±0.41 | 0.40 | ±20.7° | 13.0 |
| HPS-CFL020 | 13.63 | ±3.167 | 2.00 | ±18.1° | 13.0 |
| HPS-CFL025 | 43.90 | ±6 | 4.00 | ±8.9° | 70.0 |
| HPS-CFL030 | 32.50 | ±3.2 | 2.00 | ±13° | 52.0 |
| HPS-CFL033 | 16.13 | ±1.25 | 0.15 | ±30.4° | 10.0 |
| HPS-CFL036 | 11.30 | ±1.2 | 0.30 | ±35.23° | 12.4 |
| HPS-CFL037 | 35.90 | ±1.6 | 0.90 | ±19.2° | 37.0 |
| HPS-CFL040 | 24.45 | ±1.2 | 0.50 | ±23° | 28.0 |
| HPS-CFL041 | 48.50 | ±6 | 0.63 | ±16° | 32.0 |
| HPS-CFL042 | 68.45 | ±8 | 2.50 | ±11° | 65.0 |
| HPS-CFL043 | 7.00 | ±0.23 | 0.20 | ±44° | 7.0 |
| HPS-CFL047 | 171.00 | ±40 | 4.50 | ±7.7° | 30.0 |
| HPS-CFL052 | 51.24 | ±8.29 | 2.20 | ±15.4° | 38.0 |
| HPS-CFL053 | 19.98 | ±0.39 | 0.15 | ±33.4° | 3.1 |
| HPS-CFL054 | 9.83 | ±1.06 | 0.35 | ±46° | 15.0 |
| HPS-CFL060 | 46.00 | ±14 | 2.80 | ±14° | 44.0 |
| HPS-CFL094 | 9.09 | ±1.2 | 0.40 | ±62° | 12.8 |
What Is a Chromatic Confocal Sensor?
A chromatic confocal sensor is a high-precision, non-contact optical sensor that uses wavelength-based focusing to measure displacement, distance, and surface profiles with nanometer-level accuracy. Often referred to as a chromatic white light sensor or confocal sensor, it provides reliable measurements on transparent, reflective, and highly structured surfaces. Unlike conventional laser triangulation sensors, a chromatic confocal displacement sensor delivers superior accuracy and stability across various materials. These sensors are widely used in semiconductor manufacturing, biomedical applications, glass inspection, and automotive quality control where chromatic confocal distance sensing is essential.
Sensor head
Controller
While chromatic confocal sensors measure at a single point, you may also be interested in our 3D Line Confocal Sensors, which capture full profiles in a single scan for high-speed surface inspection.
Use Cases
Non-Contact Thickness Measurement
Thickness Measurement of Transparent Glass Components
Measuring the thickness of transparent glass materials poses challenges for traditional optical sensors due to reflection, refraction, and surface interference.
Chromatic confocal sensors, such as the HPS-CF Series, overcome these issues by detecting the precise focal point of different wavelengths reflected from the top and bottom surfaces of the glass. This enables accurate, non-contact glass thickness measurement — even for thin or multi-layered panes, coated glass, and curved surfaces.
Common applications include flat panel displays, optical lens production, glass packaging inspection, and laboratory-grade glass measurement, where sub-micron precision is required.
Glass Bottle Thickness and Size Measurement
Accurate wall thickness and dimensional measurement are critical in the production of glass bottles, where minor variations can lead to product rejection or breakage under pressure.
Chromatic confocal sensors provide a non-invasive solution by delivering sub-micron resolution measurements without touching the fragile surface. Unlike traditional sensors that struggle with curved transparent geometries, this technology ensures stable readings regardless of bottle shape, tilt, or surface reflectivity.
It is particularly suited for automated bottle inspection lines and lab analysis, helping manufacturers in the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical sectors maintain strict compliance and minimize waste.
Thickness Measurement of Camera and Sapphire Lenses
Camera lenses—especially those made of sapphire or other optical-grade materials—demand highly accurate thickness measurements to ensure optical performance, focal alignment, and product consistency.
Chromatic confocal sensors are ideal for this application due to their sub-micron resolution and ability to measure multiple transparent layers without physical contact. Even highly polished, curved, or coated lens surfaces can be measured reliably without errors caused by reflectivity or refraction.
This makes the technology especially suited for use in mobile optics, precision camera modules, and high-end lens manufacturing.
Non-Invasive Film Thickness Measurement
Measuring ultra-thin films, such as protective coatings, packaging layers, or industrial foils, requires extreme accuracy without altering or damaging the surface. Traditional sensors often struggle with such low thicknesses or multi-layered structures.
The chromatic confocal sensor enables high-precision, non-contact measurement of film thickness—even on transparent, semi-transparent, or flexible materials. By capturing reflected wavelengths at multiple interfaces, it distinguishes the boundaries between each layer without requiring contact or calibration adjustments.
This capability is crucial in film production, semiconductor packaging, automotive coatings, and medical devices, where consistency and thickness uniformity define quality.
Accurate Adhesive Layer Thickness Control
In industries such as electronics, automotive, and medical devices, maintaining consistent adhesive layer thickness is essential for ensuring bonding strength, sealing integrity, and component performance.
The chromatic confocal sensor offers a high-resolution, non-contact measurement solution capable of accurately detecting even micron-level glue film thickness on flat or curved surfaces. Unlike laser triangulation methods that struggle with semi-transparent or uneven materials, this sensor provides stable, repeatable results, regardless of surface reflectivity or shape.
This makes it particularly effective for inline monitoring, robotic dispensing verification, and quality assurance in high-precision glue application processes.
Measuring the Thickness of Multi-Layer Transparent Materials
In applications involving laminated glass, films, optical coatings, or transparent packaging, accurately measuring each individual layer’s thickness is essential for quality assurance and functional performance.
Chromatic confocal sensors are uniquely capable of detecting multiple interfaces within transparent media by analyzing the reflected light wavelengths from each boundary. This allows for precise, non-contact layer-by-layer thickness measurement—something traditional laser displacement sensors cannot achieve due to signal overlap or reflection loss.
Ideal for industries requiring layer conformity, such as electronics, aerospace optics, and polymer film production.
Wafer Thickness Measurement in Semiconductor Production
In semiconductor manufacturing, wafer thickness consistency directly impacts yield, performance, and packaging precision. Measuring extremely thin, fragile wafers demands non-contact and high-resolution metrology solutions.
Chromatic confocal sensors provide sub-micron accuracy in detecting both the top and bottom surfaces of a wafer, regardless of its material type, transparency, or reflectivity. Thanks to their coaxial optical design, these sensors eliminate measurement errors caused by tilt or surface variations.
This makes them ideal for inline inspection or automated handling systems where maintaining product integrity and dimensional control is critical.
Layer Thickness Measurement in LCD Panels
Measuring the individual layers within an LCD panel requires high-precision, non-contact sensors capable of resolving fine transparent interfaces. Traditional laser displacement sensors often fail to distinguish between multiple thin, transparent layers, leading to unreliable results.
With its broad-spectrum chromatic confocal technology, the sensor can accurately detect interface transitions between layers such as glass substrates, liquid crystals, and polarizing films — delivering consistent measurements with micron-level precision.
This makes it ideal for display manufacturing, where ensuring uniformity and thickness of each LCD layer is essential for product quality and performance.
Microstructure and Component Profiling
Microchip profiling for electronics manufacturing
In electronics manufacturing, accurate profiling of microchips is essential to ensure functional integrity and reliable performance. Complex geometries, tiny features, and multilayer structures demand non-contact, highly precise measurement techniques.
The chromatic confocal sensor excels at capturing detailed surface profiles and thickness variations of microchips and electronic components. Its wavelength-based technology enables measurement of reflective and transparent layers without distortion, helping manufacturers maintain strict quality standards during assembly and inspection processes.
This sensor is well-suited for inline and lab-based microstructure profiling where repeatability and sub-micron accuracy are crucial.
Profiling of Curved Glass and Optical Lenses
Profiling of curved or freeform glass surfaces and optical lenses is a critical task in industries such as optics manufacturing, AR/VR device production, and automotive sensor systems. Traditional laser sensors often struggle with non-flat geometries, especially when reflections vary across curved zones.
Chromatic confocal sensors provide accurate 3D surface profiles by capturing precise Z-axis data even on steep or complex curves. Their coaxial optical path ensures stable reflection detection regardless of surface angle or material type.
This enables non-contact surface inspection with sub-micron precision, supporting quality control in lens shaping, curvature measurement, and coating uniformity testing.
Profiling of Engravings and Micro-Marked Surfaces
When dealing with fine surface markings, micro-engraved features, or micro-structured materials, traditional laser displacement sensors often fall short in capturing sharp depth changes or ultra-fine contours due to their spot size variation and triangulation limitations.
Chromatic confocal sensors provide high vertical resolution and sub-micron accuracy, making them ideal for detecting engraved logos, laser-marked patterns, or etched circuit paths on various substrates.
The sensor’s coaxial measurement system ensures stable profiling, even on reflective or irregular surfaces, enabling reliable inspection and dimensional verification in microfabrication, electronics, and precision tooling.
IC Chip Pin Flatness Measurement
In high-density electronics manufacturing, even micron-level deviations in IC chip pin height can cause poor solder joints or intermittent contact failures. Traditional optical methods often lack the resolution or stability for precise profiling of tiny conductive structures.
The chromatic confocal sensor excels in detecting slight warping or unevenness in IC pins, thanks to its sub-micron vertical resolution and coaxial, non-contact measurement principle. This allows for high-precision inspection of pin flatness, ensuring proper planarity before packaging or soldering.
It’s an essential tool in semiconductor quality control, where contact reliability directly affects device performance and yield.
Electronic Circuit / Diode Measurement
Modern electronic circuits and miniature diodes require non-destructive inspection methods capable of resolving micro-level features without contacting delicate components.
Chromatic confocal sensors are uniquely suited for this task. Their high axial resolution, combined with coaxial light path technology, enables the detection of tiny geometric variations, surface deformations, and assembly inconsistencies on circuit boards, bonded wires, and micro-diodes.
Unlike laser triangulation sensors, which may struggle with reflective PCB materials or steep slopes, chromatic confocal sensors maintain measurement accuracy regardless of material type or surface angle.
This makes them ideal for inline inspection, automated testing, or precision R&D environments in electronics manufacturing.
Step Height, Groove, and Hole Depth Measurement
Measurement of Deep Holes and Liquid Levels
Deep holes, grooves, and recessed geometries present major challenges for conventional laser displacement sensors due to their limited angular access and blind spots caused by steep walls or narrow diameters.
Chromatic confocal sensors excel in these scenarios thanks to their coaxial optical path, allowing precise vertical measurement without interference from surface angles. This makes them ideal for hole depth analysis in precision machining, or for non-contact liquid level detection in small reservoirs or transparent containers.
The sensor delivers reliable data even in hard-to-reach, high aspect ratio cavities — without repositioning the probe or relying on complex setups.
Working Principle
The working principle of a chromatic confocal sensor is based on the dispersion of white light and precise wavelength detection. Unlike traditional distance sensors, a chromatic confocal displacement sensor uses polychromatic light to achieve sub-micron accuracy without making contact with the target surface.
1. White Light Dispersion
A beam of white (polychromatic) light is emitted through a pinhole and directed through specially designed lens optics. These optics disperse the light into a continuous spectrum — similar to a rainbow — along the optical axis.
2. Wavelength Focal Points
Each wavelength focuses at a different position along the axis, creating a series of focal points. This spectrum is projected onto the target surface.
3. Reflected Light Detection
When the surface intersects the focal range, only one specific wavelength is sharply focused on the target. This focused wavelength reflects back through the same optical path.
4. Selective Filtering
The returning light passes through a spectral filtering system and a secondary pinhole.
In-focus light passes through cleanly and reaches the spectrometer.
Out-of-focus wavelengths are filtered out.
5. Distance Calculation
The spectrometer identifies the reflected wavelength in focus. Based on a pre-calibrated mapping between wavelength and distance, the chromatic confocal distance sensor determines the exact spacing between the sensor and the surface.
In-focus light passes cleanly through and reaches the spectrometer.
Out-of-focus light is blocked or filtered out, ensuring only the correctly focused wavelength is detected.
Key Advantages
Exceptional Material and Surface Compatibility
The HPS-CF chromatic confocal sensors are engineered for reliable, non-contact measurement on virtually any surface—regardless of color, transparency, reflectivity, or surface geometry. Whether inspecting shiny metals, transparent glass, ceramics, or complex shapes, these confocal sensors maintain precision and consistency—even under challenging lighting conditions.
Ultra-Wide Measuring Angle for Complex Surfaces
With angular tolerance of up to ±62° on reflective surfaces and ±88° on matte surfaces, the chromatic confocal displacement sensors enable accurate 3D measurements of curved, angled, or irregular parts. This makes them ideal for components like lenses, nozzles, and chamfers.
High resolution at extreme tilt angles
Reliable contour measurement on complex geometries
Perfect for applications requiring precise angular tracking
Multi-Channel Setup with One Controller
The HPS-CF4000 controller supports up to four sensor heads simultaneously, allowing synchronized measurements at multiple points. This reduces system footprint and cost while enhancing measurement throughput—ideal for inline multi-point inspections or large surface evaluations using a chromatic point sensor configuration.
Lower cost compared to multiple single-channel systems
Compact and scalable
Suitable for synchronized measurements on moving parts
Ultra-Small Measurement Spot with High Resolution
Thanks to a spot size as small as 2.48 μm, these chromatic sensors can detect micro-contours, fine edges, and tiny features with nanometer-level precision. Excellent light-gathering capability ensures reliable results—even on small, reflective, or irregular parts.
High-resolution detection of fine details
No need to enlarge the spot for accuracy
Ideal for micro parts and sharp edge profiling
Ultra-Fast and Stable Measurements – Up to 72,000/s
With a speed of up to 72,000 measurements per second, the HPS-CF chromatic confocal distance sensor is ideal for fast-moving production lines and dynamic testing. Smart lighting and signal processing ensure a high signal-to-noise ratio, even on highly reflective or rapidly changing surfaces.
Real-time adaptation to surface reflectivity
Industry-leading stability and repeatability
Perfect for automated high-speed inspections
Flexible Installation in Tight Spaces
The sensor’s unique confocal optical path minimizes issues from surface reflections and alignment. As a result, these chromatic point sensors can operate in tight, angled, or hard-to-reach areas—like narrow gaps or blind holes—while still delivering precision down to ±0.04 µm.
No strict alignment requirements
Suitable for compact or limited-access setups
Reliable on any surface type
Easy Integration & Full Software Support
Each sensor includes a powerful SDK and intuitive interface, making setup and integration quick and smooth. With personalized support and multilingual documentation, your chromatic confocal sensor system is ready for deployment in diverse environments.
Simple software interface and smart defaults
Support for custom applications
Backed by expert technical assistance
Whether you’re looking for a chromatic confocal displacement sensor for inline inspection or a chromatic white light sensor for micro-precision tasks, the HPS-CF Series delivers performance, speed, and versatility.
Chromatic Confocal vs Traditional Laser Sensors
No Blind Spots in Deep Pits or Narrow Steps
Traditional laser displacement sensors often fail to measure the bottom of narrow holes, grooves, or steps, due to their triangulation-based design, which requires a specific angle for reflected light to return. If the walls of the pit or step block the reflection, blind spots occur and measurements fail.
The HPS-CF Series Chromatic Confocal Sensor, using a coaxial optical path, emits and receives light along the same axis. This allows it to accurately measure inside deep, narrow features without blind zones, regardless of probe angle or motion direction—making it ideal for complex surfaces or micro-structured parts.
Constant Spot Size Across the Entire Measuring Range
In traditional laser displacement sensors using triangulation, the light spot diameter increases as the target moves away from the reference distance. A larger spot can reduce resolution, distort the perceived shape of the target, and result in inaccurate measurements, especially at the edges of the measurement range.
The HPS-CF Series Chromatic Confocal Sensor maintains a constant spot size across the entire measuring range. Thanks to its coaxial optical design, the precision remains consistent regardless of whether the object is near, far, or at the reference point—ensuring accurate surface profiling and high-resolution scanning at all distances.
High-Precision Measurement of Curved, Inclined, and Reflective Surfaces
Measuring curved, inclined, or reflective surfaces—such as glass, polished metals, or transparent plastics—is a major challenge for traditional laser displacement sensors. These sensors rely on a fixed triangulation angle, so the reflected light often misses the receiver, especially on angled or specular objects, leading to inaccurate or failed measurements.
The HPS-CF Series Chromatic Confocal Sensor, with its coaxial optical path and wide-angle illumination, solves this problem. Even if only part of the reflected light returns, the sensor can still determine the exact measurement point by detecting the wavelength position of the reflected light. This enables reliable, high-precision measurement on transparent, mirror-like, or irregular surfaces.
Stable Measurement on Inclined Surfaces up to 62°
Traditional laser displacement sensors often struggle to measure inclined surfaces, especially at angles above 60°, due to unclear light reception and optical distortion caused by lens aberration. Even when partial reflected light is captured, the resulting measurements are unstable or inaccurate.
The HPS-CF Series Chromatic Confocal Sensor utilizes a coaxial optical design with a wide-angle light emission that allows it to detect even partially reflected light reliably. This enables precise and stable measurements of inclined surfaces—up to 62°—without compromising accuracy or shape fidelity.
Zero Thermal Drift and Stable Optical Axis for Long-Term Precision
Before Probe Heating
After Probe Heating (Optical Drift)
Traditional laser displacement sensors contain electronic components inside the sensor head, which generate heat during operation. This self-heating can cause fixture deformation, optical axis drift, and ultimately measurement errors, especially in long or continuous measurements.
No Drift
In contrast, the HPS-CF Series Chromatic Confocal Sensors are designed with a lens-only structure inside the sensor head — no electronics, no heating. As a result, there is no shift in the optical axis, even after prolonged use, ensuring high stability and precision in demanding measurement environments.
No Heat Buildup in Sensor Head – Thermal Stability by Design
After just 10 minutes of operation, a traditional laser displacement sensor can generate significant internal heat — often over +10 °C, as shown in thermal imaging. This heat buildup can result in thermal drift, fixture deformation, and long-term instability.
In contrast, the HPS-CF Series Chromatic Confocal Sensors remain completely cool during operation. With no electronics inside the sensor head, they show +0 °C temperature rise, ensuring excellent thermal stability and consistent accuracy, even in continuous use.
FAQS
What is a chromatic confocal sensor?
A chromatic confocal sensor is a type of non-contact displacement sensor that uses white light dispersion to measure distance with nanometer-level accuracy. It’s ideal for difficult surfaces like glass, mirrors, or curved materials.
How does a chromatic confocal sensor work?
These sensors use a white light source that is split into different wavelengths through a lens system. Each wavelength focuses at a different distance. The wavelength reflected back from the target surface is detected and converted into a precise distance value. This principle enables the chromatic confocal displacement sensor to measure without contact and with exceptional accuracy.
What are the advantages of using a chromatic white light sensor?
A chromatic white light sensor offers:
High resolution and repeatability
Excellent performance on shiny, transparent, or textured surfaces
No influence from ambient light or color variations
Compatibility with a wide range of materials and surface types
What applications are chromatic confocal sensors used for?
Chromatic confocal sensors are widely used in:
Semiconductor inspection
Glass thickness and flatness testing
Medical device measurement
Precision mechanics and micromachining
Automotive quality control
What’s the difference between a chromatic confocal sensor and a laser triangulation sensor?
A confocal sensor uses chromatic dispersion and detects only the focused wavelength, which eliminates parallax errors and improves accuracy on reflective or transparent surfaces. In contrast, laser triangulation sensors can struggle with shiny or multi-layered materials and generally offer lower resolution.
Can I measure curved or angled surfaces?
Yes. Our chromatic confocal distance sensors can measure at steep angles—up to ±62° on reflective and ±88° on matte surfaces. This makes them ideal for 3D contour scanning of curved, tilted, or complex parts.
What is a chromatic point sensor?
A chromatic point sensor refers to a type of chromatic confocal sensor that measures a single point on the target surface with high spatial and depth resolution. It’s ideal for spot checks, edge detection, or inline precision inspection.
For line-based surface scanning, see our 3D Line Confocal Sensor solutions for fast, profile-based measurements.
Can one controller handle multiple sensors?
Yes. The HPS-CF4000 controller supports up to four sensor heads simultaneously. This allows synchronized multi-point measurement, saving space and cost in large or complex inspection setups.
How fast are your chromatic confocal displacement sensors?
Our systems offer measurement speeds of up to 72,000 points per second, making them suitable for fast production lines or dynamic surface scanning tasks.
Are chromatic confocal sensors difficult to install?
Not at all. Thanks to their confocal design and wide angular tolerance, these chromatic sensors can be installed in tight or awkward spaces and don’t require strict alignment. Our software and SDK also make integration simple.
Explore our full range of optical metrology solutions in the Sensor Overview section.
