Recent technological innovations have enabled the development of a new class of dynamic (vibration-insensitive) interferometer based on a CCD pixel-level phase-shifting approach. We present theoretical and experimental results for an interferometer based on this pixelated phase-shifting technique. Analyses of component errors and instrument functionality are presented. We show that the majority of error sources cause relatively small magnitude peak-to-valley errors in measurement of the order of 0.002-0.005lambda. These errors are largely mitigated by high-rate data acquisition and consequent data averaging.
We describe methods to correct both symmetric and asymmetric distortion mapping errors induced by null testing elements such as holograms or null lenses. We show experimental results for direct measurement and correction of symmetric mapping distortion, as well as an example result for analytical mapping performed using an orthogonal set of vector polynomials for asymmetric correction. The empirical determination of symmetric distortion is made via calculation from predicted and measured changes to aberrations induced via known changes to the testing point.
The most accurate 2m-diameter flat mirror in the world was made using new surface-measurement techniques in concert with software that simulates polishing processes.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.