Are Optical Modules for 3D Measurement Quietly Hitting a Turning Point?

As we move through 2025, the landscape of 3D measurement seems to be shifting again. In fields like EVs, semiconductors, medical devices, and aerospace, non-contact, high-precision, and high-speed measurement is no longer a premium feature—it’s the baseline. That shift is raising expectations for laser sources and optical modules. In North America, automated-line integration is accelerating, while in Asia the demand for micro-feature measurement is climbing quickly. Across both regions, two technical themes keep coming up: stable beam quality and smaller, more efficient modules.

Laser-diode-based optical modules, in particular, have gone through a noticeable change in direction. DOE beam shaping is still simple and widely used, but its wavelength sensitivity and temperature drift can get in the way when you need a clean, uniform line for industrial inspection. Because of that, refractive approaches—long valued for their stability—are attracting fresh attention. At the same time, device footprints continue to shrink, so optical units need to deliver high and consistent beam quality while becoming physically smaller.

On the production floor, measurement targets are getting more varied. Different materials, curved surfaces, and mixed geometries are pushing users to look for more flexible optical modules. This is one reason why focus-adjustable designs are gaining momentum. Being able to tune the spot or line to match the actual on-site conditions can improve yield and expand the range of applications. It’s no surprise this topic shows up repeatedly at SPIE and Photonics West.

AYASE has been working for years on refractive optics that don’t rely on DOEs, focusing on achieving stable line beams with minimal wavelength dependence. We’re also developing compact and focus-adjustable modules as we prepare for Photonics West 2026. Rather than chasing trends, we’re following the direction the industry is naturally moving in—refining one practical path toward the next generation of 3D-measurement optics.