Methods for measuring at least one physical characteristic of a component

Abstract

In some embodiments, an inspection system includes a movable collimated light source, a sensing device, a positioning device and a retention mount. The movable collimated light source defines a source optical path and is capable of causing a collimated light beam to propagate along the source optical path. The sensing device defines a sensor optical path. The positioning device includes a positioning device stage that is movably disposed relative to the positioning device, sensing device and movable collimated light source. The retention mount is non-movably disposed on the positioning device stage and disposed within the sensor optical path such that when an item is retained within the retention mount, the item blocks at least a portion of the collimated light beam.

1 . An inspection system, comprising:
 a movable collimated light source defining a source optical path, said movable collimated light source being operable to cause a collimated light beam to propagate along said source optical path;   a sensing device defining a sensor optical path;   a positioning device including a positioning device stage, wherein said positioning device stage is movably disposed relative to said positioning device, said sensing device and said collimated light source; and   a retention mount non-movably disposed on said positioning device stage, said retention mount being disposed within said sensor optical path such that when an item is retained within said retention mount, said item blocks at least a portion of said collimated light beam.