Noncontact interferometric optical probe for calibration of coordinate measuring machines.
Our work deals with point length standards, which can be practically realized by two precise spheres or parts of spheres connected by a bar or array of spherical surfaces. The distance between the centers of spheres precisely determines the length. Two methods (mechanical and optical) are shown for determination of the centers of spheres of the length standard. The proposed optical method is based on the interference of light. General formulas are derived that make it possible to calculate accurately the center position of the spherical surface, which is used for the length standards. An analysis of the proposed method is described based on the third-order aberration theory. The proposed technique can be used for calibration and checking of computer numerical controlled machines.
Background ::: Use of computer-assisted insertion of pedicle screws has some advantages owing to the reportedly decreased incidence of pedicle breach and clinical events. Registration-based methods based on preoperative computed tomography imaging, 2D fluoroscopy, and 3D fluoroscopy are the most popular, however each has its limitations. O-arm–based navigation, which uses intraoperative acquisition and registration of navigated images, may overcome many of these disadvantages. We set out to study the clinical accuracy and navigational accuracy for pedicle screw insertion using our recently acquired O-arm and present our preliminary findings.