Enabling high-precision nano-positioning for beamlines: the Precision Metrology Lab at Diamond Light Source
Year: 2026
Type: conference-paper
Abstract: The Precision Metrology Laboratory (PML) at Diamond Light Source provides an ultra-stable environment and specialist instrumentation to perform micro- and nano-scale dimensional metrology to support beamline operation. The lab enclosure is actively stabilised to 10 mK RMS in temperature and 0.5 %RH RMS in humidity. Under these conditions, sub-nm displacements have been measured using capacitive sensor and linear interferometers, and sub-nrad angles have been measured using autocollimator and angle interferometers$*$. Such measurement capabilities are required to characterise and enhance the performance of positioning systems for sample, optics, and detectors on the beamlines. This philosophy has frequently helped to identify faults prior to installation, including misalignments, parasitic motion errors, and controller issues, thereby saving a significant amount of X-ray commissioning time. Increasingly, the PML is involved in the prototyping of new beamline components that are beyond the production limits of commercial suppliers. Metrology data is routinely used to guide Engineering design decisions, following the mechatronics principle.
Source: JACOW
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7148579442
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