Olympus Supports Surface Metrology Conference

The First Surface Metrology Seminar for the Americas 2011 will convene at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) on October 24-25 and will be supported by Olympus. The conference focuses on the latest advances in the study of surface topography, texture, and roughness.

Surface metrology is rapidly growing field of research because objects interact with each other at their surfaces; knowing the exact nature of those interactions can affect our understanding of such diverse phenomena as the way a medical device acts within the human body, the way paint adheres to a car, how a coating makes a pill easier to swallow, or whether a new kind of solar panel will be effective at gathering light. 

"This meeting will help attendees deepen their understanding of surface metrology and enhance their work in a wide variety of disciplines ranging from design engineering and manufacturing to anthropology, archaeology and forensics," says Chris Brown, Ph.D., a professor at WPI, director of its Surface Metrology Laboratory and a co-chair of the seminar. 

"Supporting the WPI International conferences over the past few years, along with this new seminar for the Americas, reflects our long-term commitment to metrology and to the development of professionals in this important field, " says Matt Smith, director of sales and marketing for Olympus America Inc., Scientific Equipment Group-Industrial Microscopes. "We are pleased with the number of prominent surface metrologists who have committed to presenting tutorials in their areas of expertise."

Among the nearly two dozen presenters will be Dr. Adrian A. Evans, Research Associate, AGES, School of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, UK, who will talk about the use of laser scanning confocal microscopes for aerial surface measurement and imaging, using the Olympus LEXT 4000 system. Delegates are encouraged to bring their own samples for imaging - no sample preparation is needed and samples can be up to 10cm thick.  

In addition to the many talks about a wide variety of issues in surface metrology, seminar will feature daily poster sessions where researchers can share data about methods and applications.

Olympus, whose industrial microscopes and metrology systems play a leading role in precision R&D, engineering and manufacturing applications in fields as diverse as aerospace, the automotive industry, electronics, materials science/metallurgy, medical devices, photovoltaics, and semiconductors, is supporting the conference with personnel and advanced technology.

For more information on the WPI International Conference on Surface Metrology, contact David Rideout at Olympus America Inc., 3500 Corporate Parkway, Center Valley, PA 18034-0610 USA; phone (484) 896-5792; email david.rideout@olympus.com; or visit http://www.surfacemetrology.org/2011/. 

About Olympus Scientific Equipment Group - Industrial Microscopes
Olympus Scientific Equipment Group /Industrial Microscopes offers a wide range of both industrial microscopes and micro-imaging systems for metrology, semiconductor wafer manufacturing, quality assurance, advanced materials analysis, microlithography, metallography, and other precision applications. Visit www.olympus-ims.com. 

About Olympus
Olympus is a precision technology leader, designing and delivering innovative solutions in its core business areas: Medical and Surgical Products, Life Science Imaging Systems, Industrial Measurement and Imaging Instruments, and Cameras and Audio Products.

Olympus works collaboratively with its customers and affiliates worldwide to leverage R&D investment in precision technology and manufacturing processes across diverse business lines.  These include:

• Gastrointestinal endoscopes, accessories, and minimally invasive surgical products;
• Advanced research, clinical and educational microscopes and research and educational digital imaging systems;
• Industrial research, engineering, test, inspection and measuring instruments; and
• Digital cameras and voice recorders. 

Olympus serves the healthcare field with integrated product solutions and financial, educational and consulting services that help customers to efficiently, reliably and more easily achieve exceptional results. Olympus develops breakthrough technologies with revolutionary product design and functionality for the consumer and professional photography markets, and also is the leader in gastrointestinal endoscopy and clinical and educational microscopes. For more information, visit www.olympusamerica.com.