laser tracker for neutron guide alignment
SwissNeutronics owns a fully equipped Laser Tracker (LT) system (FARO) for the installation and alignment of neutron guides and neutron optical devices. The LT enables for highly accurate alignment of components in 3D. SwissNeutronics developed dedicated procedures to utilize the ultimate performance of the instrument for the alignment of neutron guides. The benefits of the LT make the instrument superior to other techniques thus establishing a new level for guide installation and alignment.
- The typical accuracy is about 30 to 50 microns depending on the environmental conditions.
- Measurements at locations being remote from the object, e.g. for installations in an environment difficult to access like narrow places or in environments with increased radiation.
- Easy monitoring of the position of components when those are disassembled/assembled, e.g. replacement of parts of neutron guides.
- Highly accurate absolute measurements, e.g. to bring the beam exactly to the position of the beam line. This is usually not possible with sufficient accuracy when theodolites are used.
First employments of the LT were made for the installation and alignment of the guides of the instruments OFFSpec and LET at the ISIS target station 2 and the neutron guide equipment for the in-pile and primary shutter sections of the HANARO guide system. In the meantime SwissNeutronics successfully employed the LT at various installation sites under very challenging conditions.
