Absolute measurement of gauge block without wringing using tandem low-coherence interferometry

Abstract

A novel method of gauge block measurement without wringing onto a glass platen is proposed. By using tandem low-coherence interferometry to perform remote measurements, wringing is rendered unnecessary. To measure its length, a gauge block for measurement without wringing is set several millimeters above a glass platen that is positioned on a triangle interferometer such that the distances between the surfaces of the block and the reflection surface of the platen can be measured from opposite directions. By using tandem low-coherence interferometry with a He–Ne laser as a reference length standard, gauge blocks with nominal lengths of 5, 10 and 75 mm have been measured remotely with an expanded uncertainty of about 86 nm.