Metrological characterization of a novel absolute distance meter based on dispersive comb-spectrum interferometry

The paper reports results of an investigation on the main measurement uncertainty sources in a novel distance meter based on dispersive comb-spectrum interferometry. The light source is a commercial laser diode operating at 670 nm driven under the threshold condition, and emitting a beam with a comb-shaped spectrum. Sensitivity of the measurement to the operating conditions has been evaluated. Results from an experimental activity aimed at characterizing the laser and to measure the performance of a prototype implementation are also presented. The system is suitable to perform unambiguous non-incremental distance measurements over a range of 0.8 mm with a total uncertainty of about 1.5 mu m.