answersLogoWhite

0

How does an autocollimator work?

Updated: 4/28/2022
User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

Best Answer

An optical schematic illustrating the basics of autocollimation is shown in Figure 1 above. The system begins with a light source followed by condensing lenses and a projection reticle. The light source is neither coherent nor especially monochromatic; however intensity is important as some applications may require a working distance of several or more meters. The condensing lenses are used to maximize both the intensity and uniformity of the light directed through the projection reticle in focal plane P1. After passing through the beamsplitter, light enters the objective lens where it is collimated prior to exiting the instrument. Collimation simply means that the light rays exit the instrument parallel to one another.After being reflected by a mirror or other high-quality reflective surface, light re-enters the autocollimator and is focused by the objective lens. The return image appears in sharp focus on the measuring reticle in focal plane P2 after being redirected 90° by the beamsplitter. An eyepiece is used to view the return image.

Deviation of the mirror by an amount A as shown in the figure will cause the return image to be laterally displaced in P2 a distance X with respect to the measuring reticle. The amount of deviation of the reflective surface can then be determined from the relationship:

X = 2·A·fLIn this equation, fL, is a constant equal to the focal length of the objective lens. From the equation it is apparent that X is independent of the distance between the instrument and the reflecting surface.

Deviations in azimuth and elevation can then be recorded in one of two ways: manually, by aligning the measuring reticle with the return image in the field of view and then reading the deviation from a micrometer dial; or electronically, using a position-sensing photodiode in focal plan P2. The electronic method offers the advantage of complete objectivity in data recording as well as a computer interface.

An optical schematic illustrating the basics of autocollimation is shown in Figure 1 above. The system begins with a light source followed by condensing lenses and a projection reticle. The light source is neither coherent nor especially monochromatic; however intensity is important as some applications may require a working distance of several or more meters. The condensing lenses are used to maximize both the intensity and uniformity of the light directed through the projection reticle in focal plane P1. After passing through the beamsplitter, light enters the objective lens where it is collimated prior to exiting the instrument. Collimation simply means that the light rays exit the instrument parallel to one another.After being reflected by a mirror or other high-quality reflective surface, light re-enters the autocollimator and is focused by the objective lens. The return image appears in sharp focus on the measuring reticle in focal plane P2 after being redirected 90° by the beamsplitter. An eyepiece is used to view the return image.

Deviation of the mirror by an amount A as shown in the figure will cause the return image to be laterally displaced in P2 a distance X with respect to the measuring reticle. The amount of deviation of the reflective surface can then be determined from the relationship:

X = 2·A·fLIn this equation, fL, is a constant equal to the focal length of the objective lens. From the equation it is apparent that X is independent of the distance between the instrument and the reflecting surface.

Deviations in azimuth and elevation can then be recorded in one of two ways: manually, by aligning the measuring reticle with the return image in the field of view and then reading the deviation from a micrometer dial; or electronically, using a position-sensing photodiode in focal plan P2. The electronic method offers the advantage of complete objectivity in data recording as well as a computer interface.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: How does an autocollimator work?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What has the author W D McCarthy written?

W D. McCarthy has written: 'The interfacing of a photoelectric autocollimator with a Pet computer and its application to metrology experiments'


What is the mirror apparatus in a laser?

A mirror is aligned on a laser tube using an apparatus comprising a window spaced from the mirror and a means for containing fluid, such as a bellows, between the window and the mirror. The window and the fluid have an index of refraction that matches that of the mirror. The bellows permits the mirror's relation to the window to be changed without the loss of the fluid. In aligning the lasing mirror, the window is oriented normal to a light beam from an autocollimator. The mirror is then placed in contact with the laser tube and oriented so that the beam from the autocollimator is reflected back on itself.


What is an autocollimation?

Autocollimation is a setup where a beam of parallel light rays is made to leave an optical system (the system to be collimated) and is reflected back into the same system by a plane mirror (the beam should therefore end up where it stated from). One can then manually or use some mechanism ("auto"matically) to adjust the optics of the instrument being collimated so that the geometry of the instrument makes the beam reflect back to its start point.


How did African slaves get education?

They got their education by secretly learning it if their master didn't allowed because it was illegal. Sometimes, their masters tought the slave even though it was against the law. By secretly learning it, they could learn it off another slave or steal a book and educate themselves.


How do tosters work?

they just work they just work,work,work


The work you do on a machine is called work?

the work a machine does is the work outputwhat it takes to do the work is the work inputSources;The_work_that_the_simple_machine_does_is_called_the_work


The work that the simple machine does is called the work?

the work a machine does is the work output what it takes to do the work is the work input


If a Mexican were to come and live in the US what do they do here?

Work , Work , Work , Work , Work , Work ! They do what You lazy Americans don't . Mexicans work hard . They do it all !


What is the verb in you work late?

The verb in "you work late" is "work."


What is a work calendar?

A calendar at your work, for your work, that has your work schedule on it, etc.


Will American cd's work in Australia?

Yes it can work Yes it can work Yes it can work Yes it can work


What is the differences between work input and work output?

Work Output is the work done BY a machine. Work Input is the work done ON a machine.