Sensor Head Options

Discover the full range of PICOSCALE laser interferometer sensor head fiber options designed for high-precision measurement even in confined spaces. Pre-aligned assemblies for angular and differential measurements shorten setup time and ensure reproducible results. Flexible mounting options—from compact holders to modular brackets—simplify integration into any setup. Configure your system end-to-end for precision, stability, and effortless scalability.

 

Fiber Options

Engineered for demanding environments, PICOSCALE Sensor Heads are available with UHV and cryogenic compatibility. Based on a compact michelson interferometer, they bring the precision of laser interferometry into vacuum chambers and cryostats without sacrificing stability. Materials and cabling are selected for low outgassing and thermal robustness, enabling reliable alignment and measurement in extreme conditions.

 
Standard
PTFE
Steel
Outer diameter [mm] 0.9 0.9 3.4
Min. Bending Radius [mm] 20 30 30
Environmental Compatibility Ambient, HV Ambient, HV, UHV, Cryo Ambient, HV

 

 

Differential Measurement Options

PICOSCALE Sensor Heads of the C01 type utilize advanced laser interferometry to enable the use of an external reference mirror, ensuring that only the optical path length difference between two objects is measured. In this way, the laser interferometer allows direct differential measurements that effectively suppress the influence of various unwanted effects:

  • Thermal expansion and vibrations between the sensor head and target are compensated

  • Air turbulences are minimized

When using multiple sensor heads, the data can be processed in real time through the integrated Calculation System firmware module.

 

Achieve high-precision results without the hassle of complex setup. SmarAct’s pre-aligned assemblies for differential measurements are designed to deliver maximum accuracy right out of the box. Each unit is factory-aligned using laser interferometry, ensuring perfect optical path matching and effortless integration into your system.

With minimal adjustment needed, you can focus on your measurement — not the alignment. Experience reliable, repeatable performance and save valuable setup time with SmarAct’s precision-engineered laser interferometer assemblies.

 

Angular Measurement Options

SmarAct’s pre-aligned assemblies for angular measurements are designed to simplify precise angle detection utilizing while maintaining the highest level of accuracy. By using advanced laser interferometry, these assemblies enable direct measurement of angular motion with excellent stability and resolution down to the nanoradian range.

Because all optical components are factory pre-aligned, system integration and setup are remarkably straightforward. Users benefit from a ready-to-use configuration that eliminates the need for complex optical alignment, ensuring reliable results within minutes.

Ideal for applications in metrology, precision engineering, and motion control, SmarAct’s laser interferometer assemblies combine outstanding angular measurement performance with effortless usability.

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Assembly with C04 sensor heads

This sensor head assembly utilizes three C04 sensor heads in a pre-aligned rectangular configuration and fits in any 1" optics mount. For fine-adjustment, the sensor heads can be individually aligned with small setscrews.

Customized assemblies

We are very open and flexible to design customized sensor head mounts and assemblies which are optimized for your specific application. Do not hesitate to contact us to discuss requirements!

 

Mounting Options

Choose from versatile mounting options to position PICOSCALE Sensor Heads and retro reflectors with precision and stability. Modular holders and adapters streamline alignment, simplify integration, and fit a wide range of setups.

Adapter Plates

We offer adapter plates for all sensor heads to fix them in conventional ½” or 1” mounts. The sensor head is automatically secured in the adapter when it is fastened in a mount.

 

 

Retro Reflectors

Retro reflectors return the beam parallel to the incident path, greatly relaxing alignment tolerances and improving signal stability—ideal for precise, long-travel displacement with the PicoScale laser interferometer.

*10 mm green glass sphere in the image for scale.

Piezo Alignment Mount

Remote alignment of sensor heads with SmarAct’s STT mirror mount. A small aluminum spacer with 1/2” diameter can be attached for easy assembly in setups with strict space constraints.

Manual Alignment Mount

Use this manual alignment mount to perform angular alignment of PICOSCALE Sensor Heads using flexures and fine adjustment screws.