Enhanced Interferometry with Programmable Spatial Light Modulator

Abstract

Modern optical components such as aspheres are difficult to inspect. Interferometry, the usual solution, lacks the required dynamic range. Too many fringes are produced. Adapting interferometry for null measurements currently necessitates special optical components for each inspected component. In this effort, a programmable Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) was incorporated into an optical inspection instrument to boost the dynamic range and enable null testing on almost any component using off the shelf optics. The instrument was used to measure the surface accuracy of a 6 inch tall cone with a top diameter of 8.4 inches and a bottom diameter of 8.2 inches. Measurement simulations were compared with test data and the system errors were investigated. A procedure was also developed and tested to subtract system aberrations. A dynamic range of 150 wavelengths was demonstrated.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 07, 2010
Accession Number
ADA536312

Entities

People

  • James D. Trolinger
  • Joshua S. Jo

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Sensors

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Detectors
  • Diameters
  • Dynamic Range
  • Errors
  • Gray Scale
  • Inspection
  • Interferograms
  • Interferometers
  • Interferometry
  • Laser Beams
  • Measurement
  • Modulators
  • Optical Modulators
  • Optics
  • Simulations
  • Telescopes

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Optical Physics and Photonics.
  • Regression Analysis.
  • Robotics and Automation.