Metrology system with chromatic range sensor and collision protection

A method for operating a metrology system,

• the metrology system comprising:
• a chromatic range sensor system comprising a chromatic range sensor optical pen configured to focus different wavelengths at different distances proximate to a surface of a workpiece to be measured;
• a measuring machine, wherein the optical pen is configured to be coupled to the measuring machine in a rest position;
• and
• an optical pen motion configuration that is configured to enable motion of the optical pen from the rest position when a corresponding force is applied by a contact of the optical pen with the workpiece or other object, the optical pen motion configuration comprising a top portion which is configured to be coupled to the optical pen;
• the method comprising:
• utilizing the measuring machine to adjust a relative position between the optical pen and a workpiece to be measured;
• and
• utilizing the optical pen motion configuration to enable motion of the optical pen from the rest position in a positive axial direction when a corresponding force in the positive axial direction is applied by a contact of the optical pen with the workpiece or other object.

An optical pen motion configuration for use in a metrology system,

• the metrology system comprising:
• a chromatic range sensor system comprising a chromatic range sensor optical pen configured to focus different wavelengths at different distances proximate to a surface of a workpiece to be measured;
• and
• a measuring machine, wherein the optical pen is configured to be coupled to the measuring machine in a rest position;
• and
• the optical pen motion configuration comprising:
• a top portion which is configured to be coupled to the optical pen;
• and
• a motion configuration holding portion, wherein the top portion is coupled to the motion configuration holding portion as part of a kinematic coupling configuration and the top portion is configured to decouple from the motion configuration holding portion to enable motion of the optical pen from the rest position in a positive axial direction when a corresponding force in the positive axial direction is applied by a contact of the optical pen with the workpiece or other object.