Category : Optics (components, coatings, instruments and systems) > Optical instrumentation, systems and accessories

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OPG has found the PSM to be an invaluable tool in the alignment of optical systems and tests. First, we must define alignment. To us it means making sure the centers of curvature of all components lie precisely where to design specifies and that all axial beams focus in the locations specified in the design. Defined this way, alignment is a strictly deterministic process that can be accomplished rapidly and accurately with the aid of suitable tooling.

One aspect of the tooling is a fixture to mechanically locate centers of curvature and axial foci. The other is the PSM that is used to transfer the mechaical location to the optical surface in question. Many examples of how this is done are illustrated in the about the use of the PSM.

The PSM is also invaluable for aligning aspheric optics, including off-axis aspheres. Because the PSM not only locates point images but shows the image shape, it can be used to hold the image in the correct translational location and then used to view the image shape as the component is adjusted to reduce the aberrations to zero.

Because the PSM is sensitive to image shape it can be used for the inspection of optics and the measurment of the radius of curvature of surfaces. While the PSM is not as sensitive as an interferometer it can see wavefront errors of a quarter wave or less. For shops without access to an interferometer this can be useful if the quality of an optic is questionable, or there is a concern that the mount has distorted the optic.

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List of all articles in this sub-category Optical instrumentation, systems and accessories

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