Laser-based measurement

systems (2)
Measurement of the laser beam obscuration
Obscuration technique involves interposing the object to be
measured in the path of a laser beam that is scanned
across the object. The beam is detected by a
photodetector. An object in the path of the beam interrupts
the detector output for a time. In one arrangement, the
interruption produces a timing signal. A digital readout that
is generated from the timing signals as the beam crosses
the edges of the object provides a direct display of the
dimension. An alternative method uses a stationary laser
beam through which the object passes, as on a conveyor
belt.
This technique can be used for closed-loop control of the
manufacturing process

2
This method is the simplest to implement and the easiest to
interpret. Small modifications to the basic measurement
technique can be implemented to measure various
dimensions. For example the profile error of a certain part
can be measured by moving the beam along the length
(profile) of the object.

3
4
Effect of Laser Spot Diameter

X X

L
L=v.t
Volt

Time 5
Dimensional comparison measurement
technique (Profiling techniques)
This technique makes use of surface position measuring
equipment. The position of a surface of the object is
measured in relation to the position of the sensor. Typical
examples of the dimensional comparison measurement
technique (method) are:

• Two – spot systems

• Triangulation systems.

6
Two – Spot System
The two – spot system uses two laser beams that strike the
surface at a known angle. The two beams produce two spots of
light on the surface. The separation of the spots depends on
the distance from the sensor head to the surface.

7
 L1
x1 =
tan
L2
x2 =
Ѳ tan
S = S1 − S 2
S = 2( x2 − x1 )
 L2 L1 
S = 2 − 
Position 1
Ѳ  tan tan 
2.D
S=
Position 2 tan
S
D = tan
2
Where (S) is the change in separation.
8
Triangulation Devices
A spot of light is projected onto the surface. Light reflected
from the surface is imaged onto the detector. If the position
of the object surface changes by z, the position of the
imaged spot is shifted by x.
Object Object
Surface Surface
Imaging
Lens
x

Detector

Laser Laser z
Source Beam
9
sin ( +  ) = Z c

cos( ) = Y c
Y
Z= sin( +  )
cos( )
f '.Z
Y '=
f +x
f '.Y . sin( +  )
Y '=
cos( ).( f + x )
f '.Y . sin( +  )
Y '=
f . cos( ) + x. cos( )
x
but , = cos( +  )
c
f '.Y . sin( +  )
Y '=
Y 
f . cos( ) + c. cos( +  ). 
c
f '.Y . sin( +  )
Y '=
f . cos( ) + Y . cos( +  )
Measurement of Surface Finish
Profiling systems, previously described, can be used to
inspect surface flatness and roughness. Here, an
alternative method which relies on the scattering of light by
surface imperfections is described.
This technique relies on the fact that various surface
defects, such as scratches and small raised areas, reflect
light differently than perfect surface areas.
One arrangement uses a scanning laser beam to detect the
location of individual scratches. The intensity of the
scattered light changes as the beam passes over a defect.
A photodetector detects the scattered light. The output of
the detector is used to map the number, relative size, and
location of defects. The map may be generated and
displayed automatically as the beam scans the surface.
11
Measurement of Surface Finish

12
Holography
In ordinary photography, one records only the amplitude of the
light wave; in holography, one preserves both the amplitude and
phase of the light. This implies that a hologram has preserved
more of the information carried by the light. As a result, a
hologram will produce a true three – dimensional representation
of the light wave, just as it would have come from the original
object.
Holography involves a two-step process:
1. Recording of the interference pattern that is produced by the
superposition of two light waves, usually on photographic film.
2. Reconstruction of the image. This is done by illuminating the
recorded pattern with a light wave, identical to the one used in
the recording process. The result is an image that is a duplicate
of the original object. It includes the full depth and perspective of
the three-dimensional object. 13
The recording process
The recording process begins by combining a coherent
monochromatic light wave with another beam that is
reflected from the object. The monochromatic beam is
expanded then divided into two parts. One of the resulting
beams (reference beam) is sent directly to the
photographic film by reflection from a mirror. The other
beam (object beam) strikes the object and is reflected from
it onto the photographic film. This beam contains
information concerning the object.
The light waves from both beams are superimposed at the
location of the film thus forming an interference pattern.
Because one of the beams carried information about the
object, the interference pattern also contains information
about the object.
14
The photographic film is developed with conventional
techniques. The developed film (hologram) preserves the
interference pattern produced by the two beams. The hologram
appears like a fogged negative; visual inspection reveals
nothing that looks like the object.

15
Image reconstruction
The hologram is reilluminated by the reference beam alone
(now called reconstruction beam). When the hologram is
illuminated by the laser light at the same angle as the
original reference beam, two images of the object are
produced by light diffracted by the hologram.
The first is a three-dimensional virtual image (requires a
lens to form it). The lens can be a camera’s lens or of the
human eye. Thus one can look at the light diffracted by the
hologram and see the object.
The second image is formed by light diffracted in a different
direction from the virtual image. This is called a real image;
it can be projected directly onto a screen and does not
need a lens to form it. The real image must be projected
onto a surface in order to view it.
16
Image reconstruction

17