The design of detector arrays for laser alignment systems

Abstract
The behaviour of divided photoelectric cells as position-sensitive detectors in alignment systems is described and expressions derived for the signals obtained when bisected and quadrant detectors are illuminated with a Gaussian (laser) beam. The effect of the gap between the segments of a detector array is considered. Two methods are suggested for obtaining independent signals for displacements in two orthogonal directions. The performance of a typical bisected cell is reported and estimates of the sensitivity and absolute accuracy are given.

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