Measurements of absolute distances to 25 m by multiwavelength CO_2 laser interferometry
- 1 May 1987
- journal article
- Published by Optica Publishing Group in Applied Optics
- Vol. 26 (9) , 1680-1687
- https://doi.org/10.1364/ao.26.001680
Abstract
The development of a CO2 laser, tunable over six rotational lines, and its use in a heterodyne interferometer for absolute distance measurements are described. Measurements were made using a variety of difference frequencies enabling distances up to 25 m to be measured to an accuracy limited by refractive-index uncertainties. An evaluation of the device using comparative measurements against a commercial laser interferometer over a common path gave an ultimate accuracy of ±5 μm.Keywords
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