The Small Angle Generator Based on a Laser Angle Interferometer

To calibrate precision autocollimators, the Korean Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS) has built a small angle generator using a laser interferometer. The system is based on a sine bar mechanism in which the angle is determined from the ratio of two lengths. The rotational angle is measured by the angle interferometer and the heterodyne laser interferometer detects the relative displacement of two retro-reflectors attached to the rotating arm. The distance between the two retro-reflectors of the laser angle interferometer is self-calibrated by an index table positioned on the rotating arm. The resolution of the system is 0.002 seconds, and the accuracy is better than 0.04 seconds within a measuring range of $\pm$1 degree. The small angle generator can also be used with an index table that can divide one circle into 1440 angles. The combined system can generate any angle over 360 degrees to an accuracy of 0.11 seconds.