A confocal mount concept for OAPs and other conic mirrors

Kenneth R. Castle

doi:10.1117/12.3028907

30 September 2024 A confocal mount concept for OAPs and other conic mirrors

Kenneth R. Castle

Proceedings Volume 13133, Optical System Alignment, Tolerancing, and Verification XV; 1313306 (2024) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3028907
Event: Optical Engineering + Applications, 2024, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In the long-running SPIE short course “Introduction to Optical Alignment Techniques,” a discussion is included that details the mounting process that was developed to aid in the manufacture, assembly, and alignment of a complex optical relay assembly. The assembly operated over a broad spectral range, and it was deemed necessary to use an all-reflective system to pass the light from the collecting telescope to the imaging subassembly. There could be no obscurations, and a set of five off-axis parabolas (OAPs) were chosen to relay the light over the 57-foot optical path distance. Aligning one OAP can be challenging for most engineers, but aligning five of them was thought to be nearly impossible. An innovative technique was developed that aided in that alignment process, and it was carried over to the accurate fabrication of the OAPs as well as the mounting concepts for holding the OAPs in their correct positions. These same techniques can also be integrated with other conic mirrors which have stigmatic focal points, and with thought, even free-form mirrors. Examples will be given that detail the process for these other mirrors.

Conference Presentation

Citation Download Citation

Kenneth R. Castle "A confocal mount concept for OAPs and other conic mirrors", Proc. SPIE 13133, Optical System Alignment, Tolerancing, and Verification XV, 1313306 (30 September 2024); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.3028907

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