Thread Closed

Distance measurement

 
Share Thread Thread Tools
Jun3-05, 01:41 AM   #1
 

Distance measurement


How are distances on the order of microns or nanometers measured for objects like say a bacteria or a very small component of a device where distance measurement through interference of light isn't very feasible?
PhysOrg.com
PhysOrg
engineering news on PhysOrg.com

>> PNNL-developed injection molding process recognized with emerging technologies award
>> How soon could car seats enter the 3-D comfort zone?
>> NASA: Austin, calling Austin. 3-D pizzas to go
Jun3-05, 01:52 AM   #2
 
relative distance or exact distance..?
it is a lot easier to get relative distance than exact..
Jun3-05, 03:01 AM   #3
 
Well, exact distance.
Can't you get that by doing a series of relative measurements?

And anyhow, how do we measure relative distances?
Jun3-05, 04:58 AM   #4
 

Distance measurement


Can electron microscopes help here? I know they can see stuff smaller than the wavelength of light.
Jun3-05, 08:40 AM   #5
 
They are very expensive even if you try and make one yourself. I am sure there are other more cost effective methods.

As for wavelength of light, that depends on what wavelength you are referring too.
Jun3-05, 12:01 PM   #6
 
Blog Entries: 7
Recognitions:
Gold Membership Gold Member
Homework Helper Homework Help
Science Advisor Science Advisor
Sid, not too sure what you want to measure, but mechanical parts are often measured using something called an optical comparator. Most precision machine shops have these things, and I'm sure if its use were applicable you could use one without having to pay for its use. It only takes a few seconds to measure something with it, and you don't need any experience or special knowledge to run one. They can measure lengths down to about 0.0001" or less. Here's a link to a description: Comparator
Thread Closed
Thread Tools


Similar Threads for: Distance measurement
Thread Forum Replies
In an experiment, do we measure the eigenvalue or expectation value? Quantum Physics 4
Distance problem, Using Launcher need to find objects distance Introductory Physics Homework 2
Basic Time and Distance Measurement Help Introductory Physics Homework 8
Measurement in QM Quantum Physics 10
distance measurement with laser General Physics 3