Abstract:
The optical device comprises a luminous source and an optical system for forming a primary image of the source on the surface whose position is to be determined. The optical system returns some of the light back from the primary image. A beam splitter is provided for splitting the returning light into two beams directed towards two secondary image points. Two optical elements are disposed respectively in these two beams, each optical element controlling the amount of light passing therethrough, and two photoelectric detectors are provided respectively behind the two optical elements to receive the light passing through. Preferably one of the optical elements is a field lens having a central screen, and the other optical element is a diaphragm having a central aperture of the same diameter as the screen. Alternatively both the optical elements can be constituted by field lenses each having a central screen.