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
Define the comparison, traceability route and reporting scope before the calibration begins.
What does ISO 16063-41 cover?
ISO 16063-41:2011 specifies instrumentation and procedures for primary and secondary calibration of rectilinear laser vibrometers. It includes comparison with a reference transducer calibrated by laser interferometry. The standard remains current, but the applicable method and range must be confirmed for the instrument and required 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, reference acceleration can be related to velocity by a = 2πf v, then amplitude and phase are compared under documented mounting, alignment, acquisition and processing conditions.
Does an Ommatidia comparison automatically include an accredited certificate?
No. Ommatidia can perform and document an ISO 16063-41-aligned comparison. When an independent or accredited certificate is required, the certificate route can be coordinated through a third-party partner after its scope, reference method, range and reporting requirements are agreed.
What information is needed to plan calibration?
Provide the instrument and configuration, motion quantity, measurement direction, intended frequency and amplitude range, output format, target or mounting constraints, reference requirements and whether a comparison report or third-party certificate is needed. The resulting scope applies only to the defined setup and conditions.