Calibration of an Autocollimator (method and uncertainty)

Abstract

In this paper a new low cost angle generator intended for the calibration of autocollimators is presented. After describing the working principle of the autocollimator, the calibration procedure is outlined. It is comparison based, where the small angles are derived from relatively large displacements. Following the presentation of the operation of the small angle generator, the various error sources are discussed. Finally the paper gives a summary of the calculation of the extended calibration uncertainty.