Friday, March 10, 2006

Position Sensor measures short-range displacement

Position SensorNanoGage is a small electro-optic sensor with performance equivalent to a precise capacitance gage but with a 3mm standoff, little sensitivity to electromagnetic interference and a large measurement bandwidth. NanoGage can fit a broad range of applications, such as: maintaining a closed-loop position, automated focusing at a specific surface height, run-out measurements, or vibration measurements. NanoGage is costeffective with a list price of $2,995.

The Model 100 sensor has a small cylindrical package for easy installation. The sensoris approximately 0.5 inches in diameter and 2.2 inches long; the structural body of the sensor is made of aluminum. This product has a linear measurement range of 100 microns and a signal capture range of ± 400 microns. Its resolution is 15 nanometers rms at 100kHz measurement bandwidth.

The fundamental principle of NanoGage is the accurate triangulation of a reflected laser spot across a photoelectric detector. The optical sensor works with reflective surfaces; such as glass or metal. NanoGage 100 requires a minimum 4% surface reflectance for a specular target and works with smooth machined surfaces. This model has approximately a 100 micron diameter laser spot footprint at the target surface.

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