Measuring the spatial frequency transfer function of phase-measuring interferometers for laser optics

C. Robert Wolfe; John D. Downie; Janice K. Lawson

doi:10.1117/12.259943

20 November 1996 Measuring the spatial frequency transfer function of phase-measuring interferometers for laser optics

C. Robert Wolfe, John D. Downie, Janice K. Lawson

Proceedings Volume 2870, Third International Workshop on Laser Beam and Optics Characterization; (1996) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.259943
Event: Third International Workshop on Laser Beam and Optics Characterization, 1996, Quebec City, Canada

Abstract

The power spectral density function (PSD) is being employed to specify the surface finish and transmitted wavefront in the mid-spatial frequency regime for laser beam optics of the National Ignition Facility (NIF). The instrument used to measure the PSD is a phase measuring Fizeau interferometer. The phase map produced by the interferometer is digitally processed to create the PSD. Before one can use the PSD information, it is necessary to evaluate the fidelity of the interferometer spatial frequency response. Specifically, one must measure the overall transfer function of the instrument. To accomplish this, we perform a two-step 'calibration' process. We first measure a known precision phase object with the interferometer and then compare the measured PSD to an ideal numerical simulation which represents the theoretical PSD. The square root of the ratio of the measured function to the simulation is defined as the transfer function of the instrument. We present experimental results for both reflective and transmissive test objects, including effects such as the test object orientation and longitudinal location in the interferometer cavity. We also evaluate the accuracy levels obtained using different test objects.

Citation Download Citation

C. Robert Wolfe, John D. Downie, and Janice K. Lawson "Measuring the spatial frequency transfer function of phase-measuring interferometers for laser optics", Proc. SPIE 2870, Third International Workshop on Laser Beam and Optics Characterization, (20 November 1996); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.259943

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available