Separating misalignment from misfigure in stigmatic null tests of conic mirrors

Qinfang Chen; Zhen Ma; Yingcai Li; Xuyang Li

doi:10.1117/12.869784

9 November 2010 Separating misalignment from misfigure in stigmatic null tests of conic mirrors

Qinfang Chen, Zhen Ma, Yingcai Li, Xuyang Li

Proceedings Volume 7849, Optical Design and Testing IV; 784909 (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.869784
Event: Photonics Asia 2010, 2010, Beijing, China

Abstract

Null testing of off-axis conic surface at the pair of conjugate foci can add sensitivity resulting from double pass off the test piece. However, the alignment procedure of the test is difficult. The main reason is that the return wavefront from off-axis aspheric surface is not rotationally symmetric so that the observer cannot tell if the wavefront asymmetries are due to surface or misalignment errors. In this paper, we analyze the effect of misalignments on test results with the optical path method, and derive an equation for misalignment-induced aberrations. Next we present an optimum method for the removal of alignment errors. As an example the method is applied to the alignment of an off-axis mirror. After several alignments, a misaligned test system giving 0.093λ rms wavefront error can be adjusted to 0.024λ, at 0.6328 microns.

Citation Download Citation

Qinfang Chen, Zhen Ma, Yingcai Li, and Xuyang Li "Separating misalignment from misfigure in stigmatic null tests of conic mirrors", Proc. SPIE 7849, Optical Design and Testing IV, 784909 (9 November 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.869784

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