Weighted detector array for linear position sensing

The weighted detector array method for the measurement of linear position is proposed. It is based on the principle of measuring incident optical power distribution on a detector array by a built-in parallel weighting and summing structure. The method can achieve significant position resolution. Dynamic range limitation is compensated by the use of adaptive control, so that for long travel a large number of elements can be used. For short travel, a smaller number of elements can be dynamically switched in, providing high position sensitivity and long-span capability. The system hardware implementation is presented