The performance of individual optics and of optical systems is sensitive to surface figure, to interelement optic spacing and to the precise spatial location of figure defects. However, it is seldom practical during the manufacturing process to make detailed measurements each time one wants to test the optic. In this paper, we describe some simple, yet accurate tests which are appropriate to the constraints of a manufactur-ing environment. For testing surface figure and optical-element spacing, a test using a system of lenses is described. The problem of locating defects in a complicated piece, such as an aspheric, can be solved using an array of corner cubes. Since the intensity of the return beam from the corner cubes is much greater than that from the optic under test, there is no way to be confused by artifacts. Moreover, the accuracy of this method for surface mapping is good. Some problems with the practical implementation of these tests are also discussed.

Date Published: 30 December 1981
PDF: 4 pages
Proc. SPIE 0288, Los Alamos Conf on Optics '81, (30 December 1981); doi: 10.1117/12.932030

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 0288:
Los Alamos Conf on Optics '81
Donald H. Liebenberg, Editor(s)