The Hewlett Packard
model 5525A Laser system was introduced in the 1971 catalog Supplement "Electronics
for Measurement Analysis Computation". The system is described on
page 31, consisting of a laser head and display without citing specific model numbers.
The overall package style and function were very much the same as the later 5526
model. The main difference is that the interferometer optics were built into the
head, requiring only a retroreflector to complete the optics complement. Options
were limited to error plotting, recording , automatic compensator and a beam bender.
Basic linear interferometer system price: $11,500. Please
click here to view the 1971 catalog supplement page.
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The very next year,
1972, HP introduced the 5525B system . They figured out that the bulky laser head
very much got in the way with the interferometer internally mounted, so it was brought
outside as a separate component - the 10565A "magic cube" remote interferometer.
This also got the heat source away from the measurement path, eliminating a
potential compensation problem. However, it retained potential "dead path"
error potential intrinsic with this type of interferometer. The 5510A automatic
compensator with air temperature and humidity and material temperature sensor were
introduced. A X10 resolution extender was made available. Other options
remained as before. Basic linear interferometer system price: $13,950. Please click here to view the 1972 catalog page.
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1973 was a big year for HP with the
introduction of the HP-35 handheld calculator and the 5526A Laser Interferometer, as well
as the 5501A system intended to be installed into OEM equipment. The basic
configuration was the same, but angular and straightness optics options were offered.
Also, a single beam interferometer, second axis add-on and plane mirror conversion
kit were made available. A printer was available, but no computerized system yet.
Basic linear interferometer system price: $12,400. Click here to
view the 1973 catalog page. |
1975-1980
were the next years of significant change for the 5526A system with the succesive
introduction of calculator systems based on the new 9820/9821/9825 calculators. The
options remained the same otherwise. Basic linear interferometer 1975 system price:
$14,645. The calculator option included all displacement and geometric options for
an extra $32, 215. Click here to view the 1975 catalog pages.
Click here to view the 1976 catalog page. Click here to view the 1980 catalog page.
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1984 was the end of the line for the
5526A system with the introduction of the 5528A replacement. The operating
principles remained the same, but the packaging changed significantly. This
evolution continues, with the present day 5529A Dynamic
Calibrator system. |