Abstract:
At least two phase shifted signals are obtained from electrical sensors as interference fringes pass over the sensors, so that the signals will vary as a function of the movement of the fringes in the interferometer; the signals are applied to n similar channels, for example two, where they are converted into positive and negative going pulses each time when the signals pass a threshold value, for example by a threshold circuit, a differentiator, and a polarity separating circuit such as backto-back diodes; the pulses are then applied to a logic circuit having separate inputs for the two signals from each channel which decodes, from the sequence of the pulses, the number of fringes and the direction of passage of the fringes, to control a bi-directional counter (directly, or by setting a flip flop determining the direction of count). The threshold detector may be a trigger circuit changing state whenever a predetermined level is passed, so that minor vibrations and noise signals remain undetected.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a system for displacing an object supported on a carriage sliding above a bench, in such manner as to follow accurately a rectilinear trajectory. The lateral and rotational deviations of the object from the ideal trajectory are sensed by means of interferometer optical means which control a plurality of electromechanical transducers for cancelling out said deviations.