Metrology of Corrective Optics for Conformal Windows and Domes Using Scanning Low-Coherence Dual-Wavelength Interferometry

As technology advances, there is increasing demand for higher quality optics with fewer aberrations. Aspheric optics meet these needs, but at present commercial systems to test such lenses are limited. This keeps the costs high and stifles the market. During Phase I of this project, ASE Optics has developed a non-contact metrology system capable of simultaneously measuring the internal and external surfaces of aspheric corrector optics. During Phase II we will further refine the prototype into a commercial system. The successful completion of this project will yield a commercial metrology instrument for free-form optics that will have wide appeal to defense agencies as well as to the optics manufacturing industry as a whole.