Engagement Scenarios
Scenario 1: Reliable, high performance LED-based inspection tool for manufacture of large sensor arrays.
Customer challenge / problem
Customer had demonstrated basic operation of a prototype test tool based on about 5,000 LEDs to illuminate a large test piece. A higher performance, more reliable solution was sought that would be appropriate for installation into factories. In addition, a supply of the complete systems was desired, including optics, mechanical package, electronics, software, and firmware. Key requirements were high uniformity (<5%) at a high intensity over a large area with NIST traceable calibration. Also, variable pulse formats and integrated data collection were required.
Peppertree solution
An elegant optical design solution enabled Peppertree to create the inspection tool using only four LEDs. In addition, the system is designed for easy reconfiguration and operation by manufacturing personnel. The entire system was designed for shipment to various factories around the world, where the sensor arrays can be tested as they are manufactured.
Scenario 2: Unique laser-based optical material implemented into different devices, each optimized for different applications.
Customer challenge / problem
A large overseas public company sought to leverage internal R&D technologies into markets outside their core area of expertise. They came to Peppertree for help with integrating their core technology into their customers’ systems, especially for their customers located in North America. Specifically, Peppertree’s customer needed help in applications engineering -- designing and optimizing devices and products enabled by the technology for specific applications.
This situation required both an understanding of the fundamentals of the core technology developed by Peppertree’s customer and an understanding of the systems/applications of our customer’s customers.
Peppertree solution
For each application scenario, a custom optical design – optimizing the performance of our customer’s technology within the constraints of the end customer’s system – was created, prototyped, installed on-site, and tested. The work required an intimate relationship with our customer’s customer, and therefore a lot of trust in Peppertree on the part of our direct customer.
Also, Peppertree designed a new version of a device based on the customer’s core technology, optimized for the best performance possible for a particular application.
Applications were developed for multiple industries, including bio-instrumentation, medical imaging, and laser materials processing.
Scenario 3: Laser-based automated inspection station integrated into display manufacturing system for consumer electronics.
Customer challenge / problem
Customer needed high resolution (50 megapixel), high speed (<10 seconds per display) inspection that could detect scratches, particles, stains, and variations in thin film coating thickness, allowing for automated inspection at line speed in the manufacturing of consumer electronics.
Peppertree solution
Laser-based scanning inspection tool, including laser, scanner, and scan lens, designed and tested at Peppertree, then integrated into larger automated manufacturing system. System built for robust 24/7 operation at an overseas location.
Scenario 4: Investors seek objective feedback on internal R&D proposals.
Customer challenge / problem
Investors in a display company needed the technical expertise and third party/unbiased opinion of an optical architect to evaluate various internal R&D proposals requiring further investment.
Peppertree solution
Peppertree first worked with the customer to identify and articulate key questions that would enable intelligent evaluation of the various proposals. From there, Peppertree distilled and assessed various technical tradeoffs between the proposals, determining the critical tradeoff factor: whether the combination of optical architecture and optical materials would perform to the required specifications of a designated application. Peppertree then evaluated each of the proposals against this critical factor and presented its findings to the investors.
