Patent ID: 7505152
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: G01B,G01S

Abstract:
1. An optical metrology sensor assembly comprising: a light source for illuminating a target; a ranging device receiving reflected light from the target and facilitating the determination of a distance to the target from the sensor assembly; and a two-dimensional position sensing detector defining a plane that intercepts reflected light from the target, the two-dimensional position sensing detector being configured to determine the location of the interception in the plane, wherein the ranging device includes: a circulator configured to direct light from the light source to the target; a detector configured to receive reflected light from the circulator and to provide an electronic signal that is representative thereof; a modulator coupled to modulate the light source and to provide a reference signal; and a processor receiving the reference signal and reflected light from the circulator, the processor being configured to determine a range from the reference signal and the reflected light signal.