Calibration Certification for 18 Inch Flats
By Zygo | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: Tips & Care
Learn what a Zygo calibration certification for 18 inch flats includes, when you need it, and how to verify compliance for metrology applications.
Quick answer
A Zygo Certification of Calibration for an 18" flat provides a system error file on USB to document compliance, but you need a High Stability Cell for proper use.
Why calibration certification matters for 18 inch flats
In optical metrology, even small deviations in flatness can affect interferometer results. A certification of calibration gives you documented traceability that the flat meets its stated specifications, which is often required for ISO or internal quality audits. Without it, you risk invalid measurements or non-compliance during inspection.
What the certification includes and what it doesn't
The Zygo certification for an 18" flat includes a system error file supplied on a USB drive. This file allows you to compensate for systematic errors in your setup. However, the certification does not automatically include recalibration of the flat itself — it documents the current state. If your flat has been dropped or thermally shocked, recertification may be needed.
Diagnosis: Does your 18" flat need certification?
- Symptom: Your interferometer readings drift or show non-repeatable flatness values, or a customer or auditor requests calibration documentation.
- Likely cause: The flat may have unaccounted systematic errors, or its last certification has expired. Environmental factors like temperature changes can also shift results.
- Corrective action: Order a Zygo Certification of Calibration for your 18" flat. Ensure you have a High Stability Cell installed, as it is required for proper use. After receiving the USB file, load it into your interferometer software to apply the error correction. Verify that your system includes a High Stability Cell before proceeding.
- When to stop or choose another option: If your flat is physically damaged or has visible coating defects, certification alone won't fix it — consider replacement or recertification after repair. For non-critical applications, a basic flatness check may suffice without full certification.
Product facts
- Certification of Calibration 18" Flat: Zygo Certification of Calibration for 18" flat includes a system error file on a USB drive. The system error file lets you correct systematic errors in your interferometer setup, improving measurement accuracy without additional hardware.
Certification of Calibration 18" Flat
