Agilent/Keysight 55281B Linear/Angular Measurement Kit

The Agilent/Keysight 55281B Linear/Angular Measurement Kit is a precision optical metrology instrument engineered for simultaneous linear and angular displacement measurement within the Keysight 5530 Laser Calibration System. The kit measures linear velocity along machine travel paths and angular rotation (pitch and yaw) about perpendicular axes, enabling comprehensive assessment of positioning accuracy, repeatability, backlash, and motion errors across parallel machine axes.

– Technical Specifications

Optical Performance
• Fundamental optical resolution: One half wavelength (316.5 nm / 12.5 µin)
• Housing material: Stainless steel for thermal stability and environmental protection
• Optical element attachment: Low volatility adhesive

Measurement Capabilities
• Linear velocity measurement along machine travel axis
• Angular measurement: Pitch and yaw about perpendicular axis
• Positioning accuracy and repeatability assessment
• Backlash detection and quantification
• Machine tool travel and parallel axis error documentation and diagnostics

– Key Features

The 55281B kit includes essential optical components: one 10767A Linear Retroreflector, one 10770A Angular Interferometer, one 10771A Angular Reflector, two 10784A Bases, and two 10785A Height adjusters with posts. All optical components are mounted in rugged stainless steel housings. The optical design achieves sub-wavelength resolution at 316.5 nm, delivering 12.5 µin measurement precision for demanding metrology applications.

– Compatibility & Integration

The 55281B integrates directly with the Keysight 5530 Laser Calibration System and operates with compatible Keysight laser heads from the 5517 series. System laser sources deliver 6 mm nominal beam diameter and support measurement ranges up to 40 meters (130 feet) across all combined axes. The kit maintains compatibility with legacy systems including the 5529B, 55290A, and Agilent 5530/5529 platforms. Laser tube MTBF exceeds 50,000 hours with operating heat dissipation of 23 W and warm-up dissipation of 35 W. Wavelength stability is ±0.002 ppm typical (vacuum, 1 hour) and ±0.02 ppm over lifetime (vacuum).