Goniometer
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A goniometer is an instrument that either measures angles or allows an object to be rotated to a precise angular position. The term goniometry is derived from two Greek words, gonia, meaning angle and metron, meaning measure.
There are many types, each specialised for its particular application. For audio, a goniometer is used to visualize the amount of stereo in a signal.
The contact angle goniometer was invented by Dr. William Zisman of the United States Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC and the first of this type of instrument was built by ramé-hart during the 1960's. Currently, ramé-hart instrument co. builds contact angle goniometers based on Dr. Zisman's design but which employ current technology such as cameras and software. These tools are used not only for contact angle and surface energy applications, but also surface tension using pendant drop, sessile drop, and myriad other techniques. The original manual contact angle goniometer used an eyepiece with microscope. The current generation of contact angle instruments use a camera and software to capture and analyze the drop shape.
Goniometers are used in crystallography for measuring angles between crystal faces. They are also used in X-ray diffraction to rotate the samples.
In occupational therapy and physical therapy, a goniometer is a tool which measures a joint's axis and range of motion. If a patient or client is suffering from decreased range of motion in a joint (i.e. a knee or elbow), the therapist can use a goniometer to assess what the range of motion is prior to intervention, and then make sure the intervention is working by using the goniometer in subsequent interventions.
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