What is an autocollimator?

An autocollimator is an optical instrument that is used to measure small angles with very high sensitivity. It combines both optical tools, the collimator and the telescope into one instrument using a single objective lens. Both beam paths are separated by using a beam splitter. The autocollimator is a very sensitive angle measuring device and is thus used for the precise angular adjustment of optical or machine components. As such, the autocollimator has a wide variety of applications including precision alignment, detection of angular movement, verification of angle standards, and angular monitoring over long periods. Due to the collimated beam (infinity adjustment) the measurement results are independent from the distance to the object under test. The operating principle is explained in the following.

Apa pengkolimat automatik? Pengkolimat automatik ialah satu alat optik yang ialah digunakan untuk mengukur sudut kecil dengan kepekaan sangat tinggi. Ia menggabungkan kedua-dua alat-alat optik, pengkolimat dan teleskop ke dalam satu alat menggunakan satu kantasatu objektif. Kedua-dua loronglorong alur ialah berpisah denganmenggunakan satu pembelah rasuk. Pengkolimat automatik ialah peranti ukur sudut sangat sensitif dan adalah digunakan untuk pelarasanbersudut tepat optik atau komponen mesin. Oleh itu,pengkolimat automatik mempunyai berjenis-jenis penggunaan termasukpenjajaran ketepatan, pengesanan pergerakan bersudut, pengesahanpiawaian sudut , dan pengawasan bersudut melalui jangka masa yang panjang.

Principles of operation
The autocollimator projects a beam of collimated light. An external reflector reflects all or part of the beam back into the instrument where the beam is focused and detected by a photodetector. The autocollimator measures the deviation between the emitted beam and the reflected beam. Because the autocollimator uses light to measure angles, it never comes into contact with the test surface. Prinsip-prinsip operasi Pengkolimat automatik merancang satu pancaran cahaya terkolimat. Satu pemantul luar mencerminkan semua atau bahagian memancarkansemula ke dalam alat di mana alur adalah ditumpukan dan dikesan olehsatu fotopengesan. Pengkolimat automatik mengukur sisihan antaramengeluarkan alur dan alur terpantul. Kerana pengkolimat automatikmenggunakan cahaya mengukur sudut-sudut, ia tidak akan datanghingga hubungan dengan permukaan ujian.

PRINCIPLES OF AUTOCOLLIMATION

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 = 2AfL

In 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 positionsensing photodiode in focal plan P2. The electronic method offers the advantage of complete objectivity in data recording as well as a computer interface.

Satu optik berjadual menjelaskan asas-asas pengautokolimatanditunjukkan dalam Figure 1 di atas. Sistem bermula dengan satu punca cahaya diikuti oleh meringkaskan kanta dan retikul unjuran. Punca cahayabukan koheren mahupun terutama monokromat; bagaimanapunkeamatan ialah penting seperti beberapa permohonan boleh menghendaki satu jarak beberapa bekerja atau lebih banyak meter.Meringkaskan kanta ialah digunakan untuk memaksimumkan kedua-duakeamatan dan keseragaman cahaya diarahkan

melalui retikul unjuran dalam satah fokus P1. Setelah melewati penyerak alur, cahaya memasukikanta objektif di mana ia terkolimat sebelum keluar alat. Pengkolimatanhanya bermakna yang sinaran cahaya keluar alat selari dengan satu sama lain. Selepas dipantulkan oleh sebuah cermin atau permukaanpantulan berkualiti tinggi lain, cahaya semula memasuki pengkolimat automatik dan adalah ditumpukan oleh kanta objektif. Imej pulanganmuncul dalam fokus tajam pada retikul penyukatan dalam satah fokus P2 selepas dilencongkan 90 oleh penyerak alur. Satu kanta ialah digunakan untuk melihat imej pulangan. Sisihan cermin oleh satu amaun A sebagai membuktikan dalam angkaakan menyebabkan imej pulangan secara lateral digantikan dalam P2satu jarak X terhadap retikul penyukatan. Jumlah itu sisihan permukaanpantulan kemudian boleh berazam dari hubungan: X = 2SATUfL Dalam persamaan ini, fL, ialah satu pemalar bersamaanjarak fokus kanta objektif. Dari persamaan ia ketara yang X ialah mandirijarak antara alat dan permukaan pantul. Penyimpangan dalam azimut dan ketinggian kemudian boleh direkodkandalam satu duahala: secara manual, dengan menjajarkan retikulpenyukatan dengan imej pulangan dalam medan penglihatan lalumembaca sisihan dari dail mikrometer; atau secara elektronik,menggunakan fotodiod penderiaan kedudukan dalam rancangan fokusP2. Kaedah elektronik menawarkan kelebihan objektiviti lengkap dalamrakaman data serta antara muka komputer.

Autocollimator Applications

Verify the accuracy of using autocollimator and polygon

rotary

table Determine flatness of surface plates Tentukan kerataan plat datar

Mengesahkan ketepatan satu meja putar menggunakan pengkolimat automatik dan poligon

Comparisonofworkangle with standard angle block Perbandingan sudut kerja dengan blok sudut standard

Verify straightness along machined rails Mengesahkan kejujuran pergerakan sepanjang memesin rel

of

movement

Determine parallelism of end surfaces Tentukan keselarian permukaan-permukaan akhir

Verify

the squareness of base with pentaprism and reference mirror

surfaces

Mengesahkan keadilan permukaan-permukaan asas dengan pentaprisma dan merujuk cermin

Align autocollimator to optical bench Jajar pengkolimat automatik untuk landasan optik

Measure angle of optical cube Mengukur sudut kiub optik

Measure Deviation of a Wedge Mengukur Sisihan sendal

Measure

Penta

Prism's

Deviation

Determine Sign of Penta Prism Deviation Angle Mengukur Sisihan Prisma Penta Tentukan Tanda Sudut Sisihan Prisma Penta

Digital vs. Visual Autocollimators

Digital Autocollimators Digital autocollimators use an electronic photodetector to detect the reflected beam. Micro-Radian autocollimators take advantage of the latest detector technology including advanced silicon-based photodetectors and germanium-based detectors. The detector sends a signal to the Micro-Radian digital controller which digitizes and processes the signal using proprietary DSP-based electronics. The processing creates a calibrated angular output which is traceable to the U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology. The angular data is retrieved using the touchscreen LCD display, the RS232 interface, or the analog outputs which are all built into the controller. Digital autocollimators are suitable for applications including calibrating rotary tables, checking angle standards, remote or long term angular monitoring, measurements of flatness or straightness, and to provide angular feedback in servo-controlled systems. Click here for a selection of MicroRadian digital autocollimators or click here to view the digital controller. Please contact us to discuss your particular application.

Hasil terjemahan Autocollimators digital gunakan satu fotopengesan elektronik mengesanalur terpantul. Mikro radian autocollimators ambil kelebihan teknologipengesan terbaru termasuk silikon maju berasaskan photodetectors dan germanium berasaskan pengesanpengesan. Pengesan menghantar satu isyarat kepada Mikro Radian pengawal digital digitizes yang mana dan memproses isyarat menggunakan elektronik DSP-BASED proprietari.Pemprosesan mengadakan satu menyelaras output bersudut yan g manadapat dikesan bagi U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology.Data bersudut didapatkan kembali menggunakan paparan LCD skrin sentuh, antara muka RS-232, atau output analog yang mana ialah semuadijadikan pengawal. Autocollimators digital sesuai untuk permohonan-permohonan termasuk menyelaras jadualjadual berputar, mengawalpiawaian sudut, jauh atau pengawasan bersudut jangka panjang, ukuranukuran kerataan atau kejujuran , dan menyediakan maklum balasbersudut dalam servo sistem-sistem terkawal. Klik di sini untuk satu pilihan Mikro Radian autocollimators digital atau klik di sini melihatpengawal digital. Sila hubungi kami membincangkan penggunaan tertentu anda.

Digital Autocollimator Diagram

DA20 Dual Axis Digital Autocollimator

The DA20 is a high precicion yet simple to operate dual axis autocollimator capable of accuracies to 0.1 arc seconds with resolutions of 0.01 secs making it one of the most precise systems on the market. The simplicity of use and repeatability of reading make this popular in the machine tool industries and calibration environments. Used to measure angle, straightness, squareness and paralllelism this system enables high accuracy measurement for applications such as the measurement of indexing heads, machine tool guide ways and many more. Taylor Hobson's optional software package enhances this instrument further by offering fast data processing and intuitive graphical displays for ease of use.

Accuracy to 0.1 arc seconds Eyepiece for visual display to aid in set up Simple to use robust design with remote dual axis dispaly Optional software package with data processing and graphical display Sturdy levelling base simple to use levelling base Wide range of accessories

DA400 Dual Axis Digital Autocollimator

A large measurement range yet highly precise dual axis autocollimator capable of accuracies to 0.2 arc seconds with resolutions of 0.1 arc secs make this instrument suited for a wide range of applications. The simplicity of use and repeatability of reading make this popular in the machine tool industries and calibration environments.

Used to measure angle, straightness, squareness and paralllelism this system enables high accuracy measurement for applications such as the measurement of indexing heads, machine tool guide ways and many more. Taylor Hobson's optional software package enhances this instrument further by offering fast data processing and intuitive graphical displays for ease of use.

Accuracy to 0.2 arc seconds Eyepiece for visual display to aid in set up Simple to use robust design with remote dual axis display Optional software package with data processing and graphical display Sturdy levelling base simple to use levelling base Wide range of accessories

Visual Autocollimators Visual autocollimators rely on the operator's eye to act as the photodetector. Micro-Radian visual autocollimators project a pinhole image. The operator views the reflected pinhole images through an eyepiece. Because the human eye acts as the photodetector, resolution will vary among operators. Typically, people can resolve from 3 to 5 arc-seconds. Because the human eye is able to discern multiple images simultaneously, visual autocollimators are suitable for measuring multiple surfaces simultaneously. This makes them ideal alignment instruments in applications like aligning laser rod ends or checking parallelism among optics. Visual autocollimators can also be equipped with an eyepiece reticle for aid in lining up test optics to a master reference. All Micro-Radian visual autocollimators are focused on infinity for suitable use at any working distance. Click here for a selection of Micro-Radian visual autocollimators.

Hasil terjemahan Autocollimators visual bergantung pada mata pengendali untuk sebagaifotopengesan. Mikro Radian autocollimators visual menunjukkan satu imej lubang jarum. Pengendali memikirkan imej-imej lubang

jarumterpantul melalui satu kanta. Kerana akta-akta mata manusia sebagaifotopengesan, resolusi akan berbeza antara pengendali-pengendali.Lazimnya, rakyat boleh menyelesaikan dari 3 untuk 5 saat-saat arka. Kerana mata manusia mampu melihat pelbagai imej serentak, autocollimators visual sesuai untuk berukuran permukaanpermukaanberbilang serentak. Ini membuat mereka alat-alat penjajaran ideal dalam permohonan seperti menjajarkan hujung rod laser atau mengawalkeselarian antara optik. Autocollimators visual boleh jadi dilengkapi dengan retikul kanta mata untuk bantuan dalam berbaris optik ujian bagi satu rujukan induk. Semua autocollimators visual Micro Radian tertumpu pada ketakterhinggaan untuk penggunaan sesuai di manamana jarakbekerja. Klik di sini untuk satu pilihan Mikro Radian autocollimators visual.

Visual Autocollimator Sample Applications

Measurement of non-parallelism in windows, laser rod ends, and optical wedges by the twoface reflection method. Measurement of squareness of an outside corner by aperture sharing.

Angle comparisons by aperture sharing.

Checking right angle prisms for angular and pyramid errors.

TA60 Visual Autocollimator

The TA60 is a cost effective dual axes graticule auto-collimator with a large gauge range to resolution. Its small size and robust design lend itself to fixturing making it easy to adapt to many different applications. The wide field of view and dark field graticule (other options available) make it simple to use even on low reflective or small cross sectional surfaces making the system ideal for workshop and tool room environments. Simple to use robust design with dual axis graticule Easily adaptable to fixturing Wide field of view Dark field graticule for low reflective surfaces Wide range of accessories

VA900 Visual Autocollimator

The VA900 has an excellent range to resolution with an accuracy of 1 arc sec, this system is popular in the measurement and calibration of indexing heads and other angular devices such as prisms and clinometers. Combined with Taylor Hobson's alignment software (manual data input) this system can provide measurement features such as angle straightness, squareness and parallelism. The system can be calibrated to traceable standards given the operator full confidence in results and maintaining high measurement integrity. The dual axis graticule and simple micrometer readout make this instrument popular with inspectors.

Accuracy to 1 arc seconds Wide range of accessories Simple to use robust design with dual axis display large measurement range of +/- 900 arc secs Wide range of accessories

TA51 Visual Autocollimator

The TA51 has a wide range yet maintains a high measurement accuracy, this system is popular in the measurement and calibration of indexing heads and other angular devices such as polygons and clinometers. Combined with Taylor Hobson's alignment software (manual data input) this system can provide measurement features such as angle straightness, squareness and parallelism. The system can be calibrated to traceable standards given the operator full confidence in results and maintaining high measurement integrity. The system comes with a sturdy base with levelling capability allowing fast simple set up, the visual display and dual axis micrometers make this instrument a popular choice.

Dual Axis micrometers Accuracy to 0.5 arc seconds Simple to use robust design with dual axis display large measurement range of 10 mins Wide range of accessories