Abstract: A method provides distance calibration data for a chromatic range sensor system with a chromatic range sensor optical pen configured to focus different wavelengths at different distances along a distance measurement axis. The chromatic range sensor optical pen is arranged in a relationship relative to a spherical calibration object that has a nominally spherical calibration surface. Relative movement of the chromatic range sensor optical pen in relation to the nominally spherical calibration surface is controlled so as to perform a spiral scan of a portion of the nominally spherical calibration surface. Distance indicating data is determined as corresponding to the distances between the chromatic range sensor optical pen and surface points on the nominally spherical calibration surface as the spiral scan is performed. Distance calibration data for the chromatic range sensor system is determined based on the distance indicating data.

Abstract: A chromatic point sensor (CPS) optical pen provides a signal usable to measure a distance to a surface, and includes an axial chromatic aberration portion arranged to receive source radiation from an aperture, output it toward the surface as a focused measurement beam having axial chromatic dispersion, receive reflected radiation from the surface and focus it proximate to the aperture. The axial chromatic aberration portion includes a first axially dispersive focusing element that receives the source radiation and focuses it at a first focal region, a second axially dispersive focusing element that receives the radiation from the first focal region and focuses it at a second focal region, and a third axially dispersive focusing element that receives the radiation from the second focal region and outputs the measurement beam. Lengths between the first, second and third axially dispersive focusing elements are adjustable (i.e., resulting in an adjustable range).

Abstract: A chromatic point sensor (CPS) optical pen provides a signal usable to measure a distance to a surface, and includes an axial chromatic aberration portion arranged to receive source radiation from an aperture, output it toward the surface as a focused measurement beam having axial chromatic dispersion, receive reflected radiation from the surface and focus it proximate to the aperture. The axial chromatic aberration portion includes a first axially dispersive focusing element that receives the source radiation and focuses it at a first focal region, a second axially dispersive focusing element that receives the radiation from the first focal region and focuses it at a second focal region, and a third axially dispersive focusing element that receives the radiation from the second focal region and outputs the measurement beam. Lengths between the first , second and third axially dispersive focusing elements are adjustable (i.e., resulting in an adjustable range).