NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.

Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.

U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

PUBLICATIONS

Common-Path Method for Laser Tracker Ranging Calibration

Published

Author(s)

Christopher J. Blackburn, Daniel S. Sawyer, Craig M. Shakarji

Abstract

We present an alternative to the back-to-back method of testing laser tracker ranging systems. Our approach uses a common air path for both the measurement and reference laser beams. This technique allows for more accurate determination of the reference length by greatly reducing the dead-path for the reference length. Accuracy is also improved because of the use of a single optic: this eliminates error sources due to offsets between the front- and rear-facing optics used in the back-to-back method. Furthermore, the technique simplifies the execution of the ranging test by allowing for a novel alignment procedure that is also presented.
Citation
Journal of the CMSC
Pub Type
Journals
Dimensional metrology

Citation

Blackburn, C. , Sawyer, D. and Shakarji, C. (2014), Common-Path Method for Laser Tracker Ranging Calibration, Journal of the CMSC (Accessed October 11, 2025)

Issues

If you have any questions about this publication or are having problems accessing it, please contact [email protected].

Created March 31, 2014, Updated February 19, 2017
Was this page helpful?