Aspheric subaperture stitching based on system modeling.

Area of Science:

• Optical Engineering
• Metrology
• Computational Optics

Background:

• Traditional stitching interferometry often relies on complex mathematical algorithms.
• Existing methods may require significant subaperture overlap, increasing measurement time and complexity.
• Accurate reconstruction of aspheric surfaces presents unique metrology challenges.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel computer-modeling-based method for aspheric subaperture stitching interferometry.
• To develop a simultaneous reverse optimizing reconstruction (SROR) method for full aperture figure error reconstruction.
• To eliminate the need for complex mathematical stitching algorithms and subaperture overlaps.

Main Methods:

• The study presents an aspheric subaperture stitching interferometric method based on modern computer modeling.
• A simultaneous reverse optimizing reconstruction (SROR) method is proposed, building upon the non-null annular subaperture stitching interferometry (NASSI) framework.
• Subaperture measurements are simulated using a multi-configuration model within a ray tracing program.

Main Results:

• The SROR method extracts full aperture figure error as Zernike polynomials from subaperture wavefront data.
• The proposed method concurrently corrects for subaperture retrace errors and misalignment.
• Experimental results demonstrate the validity and effectiveness of the SROR method.

Conclusions:

• The SROR method offers a simplified and efficient approach to aspheric surface metrology.
• Computer modeling and system simulation provide a robust alternative to traditional stitching algorithms.
• This technique advances the field of optical testing for complex aspheric components.