Custom-Count Rotary Encoder

Client: A Major Japanese Encoder Manufacturer

Need

A machine to create high-resolution optical rotary encoder disks with a customer-specified number of lines.

Solution

• Developed and tested a series of metallic and organic coatings that could be selectively removed by using a 250-mW laser at 488 nm
• Prototyped the optical, electronic, and mechanical systems

Result

Demonstrated writing of 3-µm-wide lines with high contrast ratio.