Calibration for traceable vibration measurements
Calibrate laser Doppler vibrometers against a controlled vibration and an accelerometer reference. Ommatidia defines the test configuration, frequency range and comparison method so the result supports an engineering decision.
For laboratories and engineering teams that need a documented comparison and a clear route to third-party certification.
Calibration against an accelerometer reference
ISO 16063-41:2011 covers the calibration of laser vibrometers, including comparison with a reference transducer calibrated by laser interferometry. In the accelerometer-reference method described here, the accelerometer and the laser Doppler vibrometer observe the same controlled motion.
The comparison is frequency-dependent. Its usefulness depends on the exciter, accelerometer mounting and calibration status, laser alignment, measurement direction, acquisition settings, frequency range and reporting conditions. These are the variables Ommatidia defines before the measurement begins.
The accelerometer-reference method
Mount a calibrated accelerometer on the vibrating structure and aim the laser Doppler vibrometer at the same measurement point. Drive the structure through the agreed frequency range and acquire both channels under the same defined conditions.
For sinusoidal excitation, acceleration and velocity are related by a = 2πf v. The reference acceleration can therefore be expressed as the comparable velocity at each frequency. Ommatidia then compares amplitude and phase between the reference and optical channels, using documented acquisition and processing settings.
Set the reference
Define the common motion, test configuration, measurement direction, reference instrumentation and frequency range.
Measure together
Acquire the accelerometer and optical response on the same controlled excitation with synchronized, documented settings.
Compare the result
Evaluate amplitude and phase across the range, then record the conditions and measurement scope.
A controlled comparison makes the result usable
One controlled excitation gives both channels the same reference condition. Ommatidia compares the optical velocity trace with the accelerometer-derived reference across the agreed range, so deviations can be investigated rather than hidden in a general pass-or-fail statement.
The result can be used to confirm performance, define operating limits and support the next measurement campaign.
Ommatidia calibration protocol
Ommatidia uses an ISO 16063-41-aligned comparison protocol with an accelerometer reference. The protocol is adapted to the instrument configuration and the required measurement range.
Set the scope
Confirm the instrument configuration, target, reference arrangement, measurement direction and frequency range.
Run the comparison
Acquire the reference and optical responses under controlled excitation and defined processing settings.
Report the result
Document the comparison, measurement conditions, scope and any agreed follow-up actions.
Third-party certificates through our partner network
Third-party calibration certificates can be provided on request through Ommatidia’s partner network. We coordinate the certificate route, scope, reference method and reporting requirements for the instrument and measurement range.
Plan the calibration route
Bring the instrument configuration, measurement range, target conditions and reporting requirements. We will define the comparison and certification route that fits the application.
See the Q2 laser radar and explore the knowledge center for related measurement work.
Laser vibrometer calibration questions
Build a traceable amplitude-and-phase comparison around ISO 16063-41 and the required report or certificate route.
How does ISO 16063-41 structure laser vibrometer calibration?
ISO 16063-41:2011 defines instrumentation and procedures for primary and secondary calibration of rectilinear laser vibrometers, including comparison with a reference transducer calibrated by laser interferometry. It provides the framework for a traceable, documented amplitude-and-phase result.
How is a laser vibrometer compared with an accelerometer?
A calibrated accelerometer and the optical channel observe the same controlled sinusoidal motion. At each frequency, a = 2πf v converts reference acceleration to velocity, enabling direct amplitude and phase comparison across the planned range with documented mounting, alignment, acquisition and processing.
What reporting and certificate routes does Ommatidia provide?
Ommatidia performs and documents an ISO 16063-41-aligned comparison report. When an independent or accredited certificate is part of the project, Ommatidia coordinates the partner route and the agreed scope, reference method, range and reporting requirements.
How is a calibration campaign configured?
Ommatidia turns the instrument and configuration, motion quantity, measurement direction, frequency and amplitude range, output format, mounting, reference and reporting route into a defined calibration campaign and deliverable.