Abstract: A shadow-cast encoder apparatus includes a scale and a readhead. The readhead includes at least one electromagnetic radiation source for illuminating the scale in order to produce a shadow-cast fringe pattern at a detector configured to detect the shadow-cast fringe pattern. The encoder apparatus can be configured so as to suppress the total harmonic distortion of the fringe pattern, e.g. such that the total harmonic distortion of the fringe pattern is not more than 6%.

Abstract: An incremental measurement encoder including a scale and a readhead. The scale includes a periodic series of features forming an incremental track and at least one reference mark. The readhead including a structured light source and a reference mark photodetector array. The at least one reference mark can include at least one imaging element configured to form an image of the structured light source onto the reference mark photodetector array.

Abstract: A shadow-cast encoder apparatus includes a scale and a readhead. The readhead includes at least one electromagnetic radiation source for illuminating the scale in order to produce a shadow-cast fringe pattern at a detector configured to detect the shadow-cast fringe pattern. The encoder apparatus can be configured so as to suppress the total harmonic distortion of the fringe pattern, e.g. such that the total harmonic distortion of the fringe pattern is not more than 6%.

Abstract: An optical inspection probe for obtaining and providing images of an object to be inspected. The optical inspection probe comprises an imaging assembly for capturing an image of an object and an illumination assembly for producing a light beam directed toward the object. The optical inspection probe is configured such that the light beam converges to a focal point at a first focal plane.

Abstract: A method of operating a vision measurement probe for obtaining and supplying images of an object to be measured. The vision measurement probe is mounted on a continuous articulating head of a coordinate positioning apparatus, and the continuous articulating head having at least one rotational axis. The object and vision measurement probe can be moved relative to each other about the at least one rotational axis and in at least one linear degree of freedom during a measuring operation. The method includes: processing at least one image obtained by the vision measurement probe to obtain feedback data; and controlling the physical relationship between the vision measurement probe and the object based on said feedback data.

Abstract: An optical inspection probe for obtaining and providing images of an object to be inspected. The optical inspection probe comprises an imaging assembly for capturing an image of an object and an illumination assembly for producing a light beam directed toward the object. The optical inspection probe is configured such that the light beam converges to a focal point at a first focal plane.

Abstract: A read head for a scale reading apparatus, the head including a light source and an array of photodetector elements, wherein said light source and array of photodetector elements are fabricated in a lattice matched semiconductor compound.