AUTOCOLLIMATOR Meaning and
Definition
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An autocollimator is an optical instrument used in metrology and optics to measure angular displacements and deviations in various applications. It consists of a collimated light source, an optical system, and a viewing unit. The term "auto" infers that the instrument is self-collimating, meaning it can align itself by utilizing the reflected light beam.
The collimated light source emits a parallel beam of light, which is directed towards a mirror or a retroreflector. The beam is then returned along the same path and enters the optical system of the autocollimator. The optical system consists of lenses and/or prisms that focus and align the reflected light beam. This aligned beam is then viewed through an eyepiece or camera.
By observing the reflected light beam through the viewing unit, the operator can determine angular deviations or displacements. These deviations can be measured by aligning a reticle or a crosshair with the reflected beam. The angular deviation is calculated by observing the displacement on a scale attached to the eyepiece.
Autocollimators are extensively used in various fields, including precision engineering, machine alignment, optical alignment and testing, as well as the inspection of flatness or parallelism of surfaces. They provide highly accurate and reliable measurements due to their ability to self-align and collimate light. The instrument's versatility, ease of use, and capacities in measuring minuscule angular deviations make it an indispensable tool in industries where precision and accuracy are paramount.
Common Misspellings for AUTOCOLLIMATOR
- zutocollimator
- sutocollimator
- wutocollimator
- qutocollimator
- aytocollimator
- ahtocollimator
- ajtocollimator
- aitocollimator
- a8tocollimator
- a7tocollimator
- aurocollimator
- aufocollimator
- augocollimator
- auyocollimator
- au6ocollimator
- au5ocollimator
- auticollimator
- autkcollimator
- autlcollimator
- autpcollimator
Etymology of AUTOCOLLIMATOR
The word "autocollimator" is formed by combining two Greek roots: "auto" meaning "self" and "collimator" which is derived from the Greek word "kolos", meaning "limb" or "measure". The term was coined in the late 19th century to describe a device that measures small angular displacements or deviations in optical systems, essentially referring to a device that measures itself.
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