Alignment of schlieren and Rayleigh optical systems in the ultracentrifuge. II. A general procedure.

Abstract A variety of independent optical tests have been combined into an over-all alignment procedure that is specifically adapted for the schlieren and interference optical systems of the ultracentrifuge. Taken in conjunction with the focusing technique for the camera and cylindrical lenses and the design and positioning of the interference mask described in Parts 1 and 3 of this series, this alignment procedure is convenient to use and sensitive with regard to the placement of all optical elements. Special consideration was given to the selection of a frame of reference that is readily reproducible and provides a convenient starting point for the optical adjustments required when a new drive is installed in the ultracentrifuge. Many of the individual steps in the alignment procedure stemmed from earlier work performed in a variety of laboratories. Some were modified to increase their sensitivity or their application to the optical systems of the ultracentrifuge was facilitated by the construction of special aligning tools. Emphasis was directed toward the development of a versatile procedure for aligning the interference mask precisely without the tedium characteristic of earlier methods.

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