Metrology of Visibly Transparent Large Aspheric Optics

Arizona Optical Systems has developed the breakthrough FORM (Flexible Optical Ray Metrology) that measures complex aspheric windows in transmission.Powerful tomographic software and careful calibration are used to determine the surface irregularity of both surfaces of the window.Having performed the key demonstration of the FORM technique, we now propose to implement the technology to build a general purpose window metrology station that includes hardware, software, and procedures for system calibration and measurement of both surfaces of a wide range of window shapes.In Phase I we created a prototype system and demonstrated measurements of an 8" steeply curved freeform window.In Phase, we will build a robust metrology system that enables skilled technicians to measure a range of windows up to 24" on the optical production floor.