Optical Profile Transducer

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Abstract
A noncontacting optical transducer, which measures the profile of machined surfaces, was constructed and tested. The profile transducer consists of a microscope objective, a point-source illuminator and two photo-detectors. The dynamic range of the instrument is typically 500 microinches with an accuracy of better than 10 microinches. The output of this transducer is a profile signal along a line on the surface under examination. The profile of a machined surface obtained by the optical-transducer correlates very well with that obtained by a mechanical Proficorder® which uses a diamond stylus. Principles of operation, results of various performance tests and potential applications of the optical-transducer are discussed.

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