The Point Source Microscope (PSM) is used to locate the apex of retroreflecting prisms in 3 degrees of translational
freedom with a precision of less than 1 micron. The process is easily explained for right angle prisms, as will be done
in this paper, but the explanation is valid for cube corner retroreflectors such as those mounted in spherical balls,
spherically mounted retroreflectors, or SMRs, for use with laser trackers. With suitable, simple fixturing, the
measurements for all 3 directions are made to a precision of < 1 μm in less than 1 minute.
|