Abstract

A rapid, interferometric method for measuring the pitch of a nonrotating lead screw that involves no mechanical contact with the thread is described. The moving plane mirror of a Michelson interferometer is set on the axis of the lead screw. The lead screw is mounted on the carriage of a machine which moves it parallel to its axis. The Michelson fringes are counted continuously as the screw threads are moved across a light beam. The Michelson interferometer uses the green line of a ¹⁹⁸Hg isotope electrodeless lamp. The passage of a pitch point, to punctuate the fringe count, is sensed by photoelectric microscopes, and associated electronic circuitry, as described herein. The performance of the apparatus is presented.

© 1966 Optical Society of America

Interferometric Calibration of Precision Screws and Control of Ruling Engines

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J. Opt. Soc. Am. 41(8) 495-503 (1951)

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