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Renishaw: Fibre Optic Laser Encoder RLU
Renishaw: Fiber Optic Laser Encoder RLU
 
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Description Specifications and Drawings
 

Compact laser unit with fibre optic delivery (RLU SERIES)

Renishaw laser units combine the ultimate performance from displacement interferometers with the ease of installation associated with traditional tape and glass scale encoders.

The RLE system is a unique, advanced homodyne laser interferometer system specifically designed for position feedback applications.

Each RLE system consists of an RLU laser unit and one or two RLD10 detector heads, the model of which is dependent upon the requirements of the specific application. The system provides the user with sub nanometer resolution capability at velocities of up to 2 m/sec (80 inch/sec) for axis lengths of up to 4 m (160 inches). To maximize application flexibility, all RLE system components are compatible, enabling the best solution for individual applications to be selected at component level. The range of user selectable components within the RLE system includes two laser units and six RLD10 detector heads.

The laser unit is the heart of the RLE system, containing the HeNe laser tube, the fibre optic launch and most of the system electronics.

Due to its fibre optic launch method, the RLU laser unit can be mounted remotely from the precision motion stage thereby eliminating a potential heat source without any increased demands on alignment stability. This ensures reliable operation.

The position output from the RLU is directly available in differential digital RS422 format and/or 1 Vpp analogue sine/cosine formats. From the digital output, resolutions to 10 nm are available. The signal period for the analogue output is 158 nm when using a double pass plane mirror or differential interferometer, and 316 nm for a single pass retroreflector based system. Optionally, the RPI20 parallel interface can be used in combination with the analogue output to provide resolutions to 38.6 picometres.

Two RLU models, referred to as RLU10 and RLU20, are available with frequency specifications of ±50 ppb and ±2 ppb over one hour respectively. Accordingly, the system is referred to as either RLE10 or RLE20. (RLE10 systems incorporate an RLU10, RLE20 systems an RLU20.)

Renishaw currently offer two versions of laser unit which differ in performance:


RLU10 laser unit

RLU10 offers a laser frequency stability of ±50 ppb over any one-hour time period, which offers performance levels suitable for the majority of 'in air' applications.

Features and benefits

Combining the RLU10 with Renishaw detector heads (RLDs) suitable for the required application offers the following features and benefits:

Simple system architecture - utilizing Renishaw's unique fibre optic delivery system

Rapid alignment - RLD detector heads allow for laser beams to be mounted directly to the measurement axis

Compact and easy to set up - with minimal system footprint and installation time

RLU10 overview

Fibre lengths

3 m or 6 m*

Number of axes

Single or dual*

Laser source

Class 2 HeNe

Outputs

Analogue / digital quadrature

Velocities

Up to 2 m/s**

* Configured from the factory
** Version / resolution dependent

RLU10 performance

Laser frequency stability (1 minute)

‹±10 ppb

Laser frequency stability (1 hour)

‹±50 ppb

Laser frequency stability (8 hours)

‹±50 ppb

Vacuum wavelength stability (over 3 years)

±0.1 ppm

XY stage application


Looking for a suitable laser encoder for an XY stage application within an 'in air' environment? The RLE10-DX-XG is a popular choice for this type of application, utilizing our RLU10 laser unit combined with two RLD10-A3-P9 (plane mirror interferometer 90°) heads.

RLU20 laser unit

RLU20 offers a laser frequency stability of ±2 ppb over any one-hour time period, which provides ultimate measurement performance for the majority of vacuum applications.

Features and benefits

Combining the RLU20 with Renishaw detector heads (RLDs) suitable for the required application offers the following features and benefits:

Simple system architecture - utilizing Renishaw's unique fibre optic delivery system

Rapid alignment - RLD detector heads allow for laser beams to be mounted directly to the measurement axis

Compact and easy to set up - minimal system footprint and installation time

RLU20 overview

Fibre lengths

3 m only*

Number of axes

Single or dual*

Laser source

Class 2 HeNe

Outputs

Analogue / digital

Velocities

Up to 2 m/s**

* Configured from the factory
** Version / resolution dependent

RLU20 performance

Laser frequency stability (1 minute)

‹±1 ppb

Laser frequency stability (1 hour)

‹±2 ppb

Laser frequency stability (8 hours)

‹±20 ppb

Vacuum wavelength stability (over 3 years)

±0.1 ppm

Differential measurement application

Looking for a suitable laser encoder for a differential measurement application within a vacuum environment? The RLE20-DX-XP system is a popular choice for this type of application, utilising our RLU20 laser unit with two RLD10-X3-DI (differential interferometer) heads.

Configuring an RLE system

In order to operate as a displacement interferometer, Renishaw's laser unit needs to be joined with a suitable head for the application. The following options should be considered when defining your RLE system:

Laser source (RLU10 or RLU20)

Length of the fibre 3 m or 6 m (RLE10 only)

Calibration certificate (option at added cost)

Plane mirror or retroreflector target optics

RLD detector head type for each axis

Beam output orientation for each axis (not applicable for the differential interferometer head)

To determine the RLE laser encoder system part number required for your individual application, simply enter the requirements of your application into the part number generator. It will automatically calculate the necessary system part number which can then be used to request a quotation or place an order.


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