Autocollimation-Based Roll Angle Sensor Using a Modified Right-Angle Prism for Large Range Measurements

An autocollimator is a popular angle measuring apparatus which lacks the capability to measure the roll angle. This paper proposes a novel roll angle sensor with a large measuring range that is based on the autocollimation principle. A modified right-angle prism (MRP) functions as a reflector to admit a collimated beam and return two outgoing beams to the sensor head. The roll angle of the MRP can be attained by analyzing the moving tracks of the two light spots focused on a photodetector. The mathematical model is derived in detail, and the experimental results show that the measuring accuracy of the proposed sensor is ±13.85 arcsec over a range of 360°. These results verify the feasibility of the proposed sensor for roll angle measurements that require a large measuring range.