The sensor achieves image capture at a rate of 4,480 pixels/s and a height resolution of 10nm

Wickon Hightech announces the launch of Quantum Scan, a sensor capable of achieving image capture at 4,480 pixels per second and a height resolution of 10 nm. The German-Czech high-tech company has thus successfully revolutionized production and quality control for electronic components.

The Quantum Scan Sensor uses an area scan camera that delivers images at a width of 4,480 pixels with lateral resolution of 6 µm. At a height resolution of 10 nm per pixel and measurement range of 0.8 mm, advanced applications can be detected with an image capture rate of 30,000 frames per second. Roman Wieser, Managing Director of Wickon Hightech, affirms, “Within a measuring range of 0.8 mm, the image is completely sharp.”

The patented photometric design detects a wide range of surfaces, including highly reflective, matte, and tilted surfaces up to +/- 10 degrees, similar to a reflective hemisphere. The high technical quality of the signal eliminates the need for complex noise reduction. “Each of the 4,480 recorded pixels represents a height value,” explains Roman Wieser. “Our technology does not deliver a 3D point cloud, but a full-resolution 3D image.”

Versatile range of applications in the electronics industry

Wickon Hightech’s Quantum Scan Sensor is primarily targeted at the semiconductor market, especially power module production in e-mobility. However, it will also be of great interest to laboratories and process development operations in the electronics industry, where high-resolution information is required quickly. With this new product, Wickon Hightech sets new standards in precision and performance.

The Quantum Scan Sensor is an advancement of the Speedcube sensor. Roman Wieser is convinced: “The Quantum represents a milestone in our mission to push the boundaries of sensor technology. This new step demonstrates our tireless efforts to provide our customers with the best solutions and shape the future of electronics manufacturing.”

Wickon Hightech is a global company providing high-end automated optical inspection (AOI) solutions to industry. Since its foundation in 2006, the technology powerhouse has succeeded in building a broad range of products and services for optimizing and safeguarding manufacturing processes for electronic assemblies. The focus is on AOI systems in the automotive, renewable energy, and medical sectors, e.g., technologically advanced specialty products such as 3D inspection for wire bonding in hearing aids.

Technical details:

Quantum Sensor Speedcube Sensor
Camera resolution 6 µm 3.6 µm; 5 µm; 6.4 µm; 10 µm; 12.5 µm
Line scan camera
(image width in pixels)
4,480 8,192 – 16,384
Speed 30,000 lines/s Max. 100,000 lines/s
depending on camera performance
Inspectable layer thickness 0.8 mm
soon  0.1 – 2.0 mm
0.8 mm; 1.0 mm; 2.0 mm
High resolution 3 Sigma < 30 nm 120 nm