ANALYSIS OF AN EXPERIMENTAL OPTICAL ALIGNMENT SYSTEM,
Abstract
An experimental evaluation of various optical alignment systems was made at ranges up to 300 feet. In addition to open path measurements, tests were performed on light propagation through closed tubes in order to determine the increase in accuracy achievable when the effects of atmospheric refraction have been reduced. The projection system tested used a gas laser as a source and a 6 in telescope as the focusing agent. A low cost target/detector device integrated with a standard tooling sphere and having a meter read-out was developed for use with the projection system. It was found that at ranges of 90 feet and beyond the use of an enclosed laser propagation path gave approximately a two-fold increase in alignment accuracy. At close-in ranges of 30 feet or so there appeared to be no improvement in accuracy by employing an enclosed path. Reflecting spheres of various radii were also used as targets in a double-pass technique to see if they offered an improvement in accuracy over prism targets. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0474590
Entities
People
- Charles R. Pond
- Raymond W. Schneider
Organizations
- Boeing