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Gauge block interferometry pase20180

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In the first case,one makes a measurementby comparison,and usesthis to estimatethe fringe
order. This has to be accurateto less than one fringe (i.e. less than half a wavelength,0.3 pm).
With suitable mastergaugesand a good comparator,this is quite possible.But it can be risky,
particularly if the test gauge is new (unknown history), the master standardshave not been
calibratedfor sometime, or the masterstandardsare of a different material to the test gauge.A
mistake in estimating the fringe order will mean a result that is wrong by at least one fringe
(0.3 pm). Compare this with a typical uncertainty quoted on a certificate of calibration by
interferometry,of 0.03 pm - a factor of ten times worse!

It is better to ensure higher confidence in the result by making multiple measurements,with

different wavelengths,and combining the results. This is the process of multiple-wavelength
interferometry.
'\.
2.2.2Multiplewavelength interferometry
In multiple-wavelength interferomet4r, we take several items of information about the gauge
block length and combinethem to make a more accuratelength determination.We use an initial
estimateof the length, plus fringe fraction measurements
using more than one wavelength.The
initial estimate can come from any source, but is usually a comparator result, a previous
interferometricresult, or even just the nominal length of the gaugeblock (provided the gauge
block is known to have a length closeto its specifiednominal value).

Imagine making two measurements,each at a different wavelength.According to the equation

above.therewould be two setsof solutions:

(fringe order, + fringe fractionr)x wavelength,

length -
2

order, + fringe f,ractionr)xwavelength,

length _(fringe

However, these should both be giving the sameresult for the length. As shown above, we can
determine the fringe fractions and we should already know the calibrated values for the
wavelengths,so the two items we do not know are the fringe orders.

At first glance, it seemswe have not gained anything despitehaving made two measurements.
Each set of solutions (one for the first wavelength,one for the second)allows us to make any
choice we want for the fringe orders and so we still end up with severalanswersclose to the
expectedsize of the gaugeblock, from which we haveto pick the right one.
 Gauge block interferometry page 2118Q

However, things are considerably improved if one examines both sets of solutions
simultaneously.
To illustrate this, imagine the measurementof a really short gaugeblock, say about 3 pm long
(not a standardsize!). We measureit in the interferometerand by chancewe get fringe fraction
readingsof exactly zero, for both wavelengths(this is quite possibleand in fact a quite common
occurrence).

If we plot the possiblesolutionsalong the sameaxis, we end up with somethinglike Figure 13

234567 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 fri ngeo rder

I
Figure 13 - plot ofboth setsofsolutions

The solutions for the first wavelength are plotted along the top row, those for the second
wavelength are below. Notice how some pairs of solutions (top and bottom) line up, whereas
othersdo not. Thosewhich line up are markedwith an arrow. In fact we can discardany solutions
where there is not a match as both measurements(two wavelengths)should agreeon the same
size of the gaugeblock. Now, if the gaugeis of high quality (e.g. gradeK) we expectits length to
be close to nominal. For a 3 pm gaugeblock, using a first wavelengthof 0.6 pm (0.3 pm fringe
spacing),we shouldexpectan answercloseto fringe order 10 (10 x 0.3 pm: 3 pm) - and this is
'-
exactly what we find. The solution at order 10 for the first wavelengthmatchesthe solution at
order 4 for the secondwavelength.This must be the right solution.Generallyspeaking,it is!

This is the method of exact or excessfractions. We use measurementsat two wavelengthsand

comparethe possibleresultsto seewhich pairs of resultsmatch. In the exampleshown in Figure
13, the matching seemsalmost exact.In reality, contributionsfrom sotucesof error such as mis-
alignment,temperaturechanges,wavelengthdrift etc will actually make the solutionsless clear-
cut - one could think of the neat fine lines in Figure 13 becomingblurred. Also, any slight errors
in calibration of sensorsfor temperature,pressure,humidity etc will lead to slight shifts of these
lines from their 'true' positions.So, if one considersthe two 'rulers' shown in Figure 13, they
would be a little bit stretchyand the lines markedon them would be a bit blurred. Somesolutions
would matchmore closelv than others.
 Gauge block interferometry pase22l8O

In gaugeblock interferometry,with well calibratedinstrumentsand good environmentalcontrol,

one should seea single solution (within the repeatrangeof the two wavelengths)w}ich is clearly
the best solution, and one solution which is worse. One does not need gauge blocks to have
lengthswhich are exact multiple of the fringe size. The sameprocessworks for gaugesof more
normal sizes,i.e. in caseswhere the fringe fractions are not exactly zero.It also works for more
than just two wavelengths.It just takes a bit more mathsto arrive at the solution, which is why
the analysisis usually doneusing a computerprogram.

If you think that Figure 13 is reminiscentof what one would see on a slide rule or perhapsa
vernier micrometer,then you are right! It's the sameprocessat work- alignment of two scales
with slightly different spacings.Except that on a vender, you only get one solution as the lower
scale (e.g. the 1/10 mm scale) is not very long and there is only one matching solution visible.
The key with gaugeblock interferometry, is making sure you pick the right matching solution.
v
In general , the more wavelengths (or the more accurately one can measruethe fringe fractions)
the easierit is to detectthe correct solution. With the Hilger interferometer,the wavelengthsare
not as stable as those of a laser and the measurementof the fringe fraction by eye is not so
accurate.This is why 3 or 4 or even 5 wavelengthsare neededto ensurethe correct solution is
picked. In the NPL-TESA and FLaP interferometers, the fringe fraction is measured
automatically with better accuracy than by eye and the wavelengths of the lasers are very stable
and well known (if calibrated frequently) and so only two wavelengthsare needed.

In Figure 13, severalpossible solutions are highlighted by arows. In fact there are an infinite
numberof suchsolutions,equi-spaced.It is thereforenecessaryto know the approximatelysize of
the gaugeblock before using the method of exact fractions.The required accuracyof this prior
determination is dependenton the spacing of the set of possible solutions. If, within your
estimatedboundsfor the actualgaugeblock size,thereare two possiblesolutions,then thereis no
ly'
way of choosing between them and you are stuck! For the example shown in Figure 13, the
possible solutions (arrowed) are spacedapart by five fringe orders of the first wavelength.The
fringe spacing is half the wavelength, or 0.6 pm / 2, i.e. 3 pm. So the solutions are spaced
5 x 3 pm or 15 pm apart. So you needto know the approximatesize of the gaugeblock to within
15 pm (i.e. to within +7.5 pm), otherwiseits length is not uniquely determinedusing this method.

For those with a mathematicalinterest, it is possible to calculatethe expectedspacing of the

possiblesolutionsfrom the following equation.

,,, !, wavelengtl4xwavelength, I
soluttonspacng=-
- x-
wcmelengtlt, -wavelength, 2
 oaqe 23180

g.5o' pm so the solutionsare spacedapartby

wavelengthl:0.633 pm,wavelength2:

O.0lgP*0'543P-- I
solutionspacing-- X_
O.enpm_ 0.543pm 2

length needsto be accurateto within+

or 1.910 pm. So the initial estimateof the gaugeblock
achievableusing e'g' a gauge block
0.955 pm, i.e. just under one micrometre' This is easily
and with a well known history' may be
comparator, or, if the gauge is of highest quality, stable
of gradeK, then a suitable estimate
inferred from a previous calibration. If the gaugeis nominally
on the gaugebloclq provided the gauge
make be taken as simply the nominal length, as engraved
has at least one prior calibration indicating its provenance'

with this 'repeat range' which

The software used in the interferometer is programmed
you supply a nominal length' it searches
correspondsto just under 6 red fringe orders. So when
this range, the software will encounter 2
either side of this length by * or - 3 fringes. within
The software examineshow well the
possible solutions, one of which is the correct solution'
is ca[ed the 'residual'. The solution which
solutionsagree_ the differencebetweenthe sorutions
and is chosenby the sofbware'
has the lowest residualis deemedto be the best solution

value such as a laser wavelength or air

However, if there has been a drift of a calibrated
may have the smallest residual and be
temperature sensor calibration, then the wrong solution
interferometerwill always presentthe best
picked in preferenceto the 'correct' solution. The
operatorto considerof this is the right solution,
sorutionit can find - it is the responsibilityof the
instrument and any prior length determination
basedon knowledge of the calibration statusof the
of the gaugeblock.

0'5 pm from the nominal length' the software

In caseswhere the gaugeblock is more than about
one enters the nominal length as marked. In
may be tricked into obtaining the wrong solution if
length, e'g' 3'0005 mmofor a gaugeblock
suchcasesthe operatorshouldentera slightly modified
length
which is known to be 0.5 pm longer than the marked nominal

2.3 Howto measurethe fringefractions

or have a Hilger interferometer modified for
If you have an NPL-TESA or FLaP interferometer,
measuredfor you by the system' If you have
automatic measurement,then the fringe fractions are
make thesemeasurements by eye' Even if you
an original Hilger interferometer,then you needto
to know the basics of fringe fraction
have one of the automatic systems, it is still useful
automatic system is behaving itself' You also
measurement,just so you can make sure that the
systemcan make the measurementscorrectly'
need to know how to set up the fringes so that the