Abstract: An interferometric-based measurement system for externally measuring a distance between a pair of reference surfaces on an object, including: a low coherence light interferometer; an object mounting apparatus including an optical probe having an optical probe chuck; an optical fiber cable for coupling light from the interferometer to the optical probe chuck; and a computer for processing data collected by the interferometer, wherein the data is used to determine the distance between the pair of reference surfaces on the object.

Abstract: A method for determining whether an imager assembly outside of a camera body meets predetermined focus specifications, wherein the imager assembly includes an image sensor and a camera mounting plate having reference features adapted to cooperate with alignment features in the camera body to locate the image sensor at a predetermined focal plane, including the steps of: mounting the imager assembly onto an imager mounting apparatus having equivalent alignment features; and utilizing low-coherence light interferometry to determine whether the image sensor will meet predetermined focus specifications when mounted in a camera body.

Abstract: A method for determining whether an imager assembly outside of a camera body meets predetermined focus specifications, wherein the imager assembly includes an image sensor and a camera mounting plate having reference features adapted to cooperate with alignment features in the camera body to locate the image sensor at a predetermined focal plane, including the steps of: mounting the imager assembly onto an imager mounting apparatus having equivalent alignment features; and utilizing low-coherence light interferometry to determine whether the image sensor will meet predetermined focus specifications when mounted in a camera body.

Abstract: An interferometric-based measurement system for externally measuring a distance between a pair of reference surfaces on an object, including: a low coherence light interferometer; an object mounting apparatus including an optical probe having an optical probe chuck; an optical fiber cable for coupling light from the interferometer to the optical probe chuck; and a computer for processing data collected by the interferometer, wherein the data is used to determine the distance between the pair of reference surfaces on the object.

Abstract: A method for determining whether an imager assembly outside of a camera body meets predetermined focus specifications, wherein the imager assembly includes an image sensor and a camera mounting plate having reference features adapted to cooperate with alignment features in the camera body to locate the image sensor at a predetermined focal plane, including the steps of: mounting the imager assembly onto an imager mounting apparatus having equivalent alignment features; and utilizing low-coherence light interferometry to determine whether the image sensor will meet predetermined focus specifications when mounted in a camera body.

Abstract: A method for determining whether an imager assembly outside of a camera body meets predetermined focus specifications, wherein the imager assembly includes an image sensor and a camera mounting plate having reference features adapted to cooperate with alignment features in the camera body to locate the image sensor at a predetermined focal plane, including the steps of: mounting the imager assembly onto an imager mounting apparatus having equivalent alignment features; and utilizing low-coherence light interferometry to determine whether the image sensor will meet predetermined focus specifications when mounted in a camera body.

Abstract: A method for determining whether an imager assembly outside of a camera body meets predetermined focus specifications, wherein the imager assembly includes an image sensor and a camera mounting plate having reference features adapted to cooperate with alignment features in the camera body to locate the image sensor at a predetermined focal plane, including the steps of: mounting the imager assembly onto an imager mounting apparatus having equivalent alignment features; and utilizing low-coherence light interferometry to determine whether the image sensor will meet predetermined focus specifications when mounted in a camera body.

Abstract: An optical probe apparatus for determining a position of an image sensor in a digital camera relative to a reference surface on the digital camera. The optical probe assembly includes a probe mounting surface adapted to be removably mountable to the digital camera and lockable in a predetermined orientation relative to the reference surface of the digital camera; an angle cleaved optical fiber emitting a beam of light; a lens disposed in the path of the beam of light and directing the beam of light along an axis normal to a plane of the lens toward the object; and a mounting member supporting the optical fiber such that the beam of light is directed along an axis normal to the plane of the lens and directed to the center of the lens. An optically transparent material (such as a pellicle or glass plate) is disposed intermediate the probe mounting surface and image sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for calibrating an optical probe assembly, wherein the optical probe assembly includes a probe mounting surface and an optically transparent material spaced from the probe mounting surface. The method includes providing a calibration apparatus, wherein the calibration apparatus includes a calibration mount having an axis and a reference surface on an exterior surface of the calibration mount. A calibration target is mounted substantially perpendicular to the calibration mount axis at a predetermined distance from the calibration mount reference surface, and a distance LR from the calibration target to the calibration mount reference surface is determined. The optical probe assembly is then removably mounted and lockably secured to the calibration apparatus such that the calibration mount reference surface is in a predetermined orientation relative to the probe mounting surface on the optical probe assembly.