Author: Brian C. Fuss

Institution: SLAC Stanford Linear Accelerator Center, Stanford University

Co-Author: B.Bell, G. Bowden, R. Ruland

The SLAC Design and Manufacturing Process of Sphere-Mounted Reflectors

Abstract:

Sphere-Mounted Reflectors (SMRs) originally used with laser trackers and now for a new generation of smart theodolites are expensive and difficult to manufacture. The positioning of either the glass or air cube within a hollowed out 1.5-inch ball is critical, as is ensuring the size and form of the ball itself. SLAC embarked on manufacturing these components "in-house" to create SMRs that are significantly less expensive and more accurate than those commercially available. Results are presented comparing the cost and accuracy of our design to those that are commercially available.