Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 8, 2026
06:20
Flapping Soft Fin Deformation Modeling using Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging
Published on: April 28, 2022
2.5K
Description and reimplementation of real freeform surfaces
Applied Optics
|February 4, 2017
Summary
This study introduces a workflow to analyze how real optical surfaces, including figure errors and mid-spatial-frequency ripples from diamond turning, affect optical system performance. It enables better manufacturing requirement estimations for complex optical designs.
Area of Science:
- Optical Engineering
- Manufacturing Processes
- Surface Metrology
Background:
- Freeform surfaces offer advanced optical design possibilities, especially for off-axis systems.
- Manufacturing challenges, including figure errors and mid-spatial-frequency ripples from diamond turning, degrade optical quality.
- Accurate analysis of real surface impacts is crucial for commercial viability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and investigate a workflow for analyzing the impact of real optical surfaces on system performance.
- To provide a method for integrating surface deformations into optical design software.
- To enable realistic performance estimations and manufacturing requirement analysis.
Main Methods:
- Describing localized surface deviations using radial basis functions.
- Characterizing residual ripple structures with a power spectral density approach.
- Reimporting analyzed optical surfaces back into optical design software.
Main Results:
- A robust workflow for analyzing the impact of real optical surfaces on complex systems.
- Integration of localized errors and mid-spatial-frequency ripples into optical design models.
- Capability for estimating manufacturing requirements based on realistic surface data.
Conclusions:
- The proposed workflow effectively analyzes the impact of real optical surfaces on system performance.
- This method aids in understanding manufacturing tolerances and optimizing optical designs.
- It facilitates the commercialization of complex optical systems with freeform surfaces.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Area of a Surface of Revolution
99
Surfaces of revolution are formed when a two-dimensional curve is rotated around an axis, producing a three-dimensional shape. This concept is used in engineering tasks like determining the surface area of a rocket nozzle, where precise calculations are critical for applying uniform heat-resistant coatings. When a curve is revolved about the x-axis, it sweeps out a continuous surface whose area must be calculated accurately to estimate material requirements.Approximating with Conical BandsTo...
99
01:22Surface Tension of Fluid
1.8K
Surface tension is a fundamental property of fluids, occurring at the boundary between a liquid and a gas or between two immiscible liquids. This phenomenon arises from the cohesive forces between molecules at the fluid's surface, creating an effect similar to a stretched elastic membrane. Inside each fluid, molecules are equally attracted in all directions by neighboring molecules, but surface molecules experience a net inward force, resulting in surface tension.
Surface tension varies...
Surface tension varies...
1.8K
01:16Bending of Curved Members - Neutral Surface
567
In curved beams, unlike straight beams, the stress distribution across the cross-section is not uniform due to the beam's curvature. This non-uniformity arises because the neutral axis, where stress is zero, does not align with the centroid of the section. In a curved beam, the strain varies along the section as a function of the distance from the neutral axis.
Consider the curved member described in the previous lesson. According to Hooke's law, which relates stress to strain within the...
Consider the curved member described in the previous lesson. According to Hooke's law, which relates stress to strain within the...
567
01:10Theorems of Pappus and Guldinus
2.6K
The two theorems developed by Pappus and Guldinus are widely used in mathematics, engineering, and physics to find the surface area and volume of any body of revolution. This is done by revolving a plane curve around an axis that does not intersect the curve to find its surface area or revolving a plane area around a non-intersecting axis to calculate its volume.
For finding the surface area, consider a differential line element that generates a ring with surface area dA when revolved.
For finding the surface area, consider a differential line element that generates a ring with surface area dA when revolved.
2.6K
01:16Surface Tension and Surface Energy
3.4K
When a paint brush is immersed in water, the bristles wave freely inside the water. When it is taken out, the bristles stick together. The reason behind this effect is surface tension.
Consider a beaker filled with liquid. The bulk molecules in the liquid experience equal attractive forces on all sides with the surrounding molecules. However, the surface molecules experience a net attractive force downward due to the bulk molecules. The surface of the liquid behaves like a stretched membrane,...
Consider a beaker filled with liquid. The bulk molecules in the liquid experience equal attractive forces on all sides with the surrounding molecules. However, the surface molecules experience a net attractive force downward due to the bulk molecules. The surface of the liquid behaves like a stretched membrane,...
3.4K
01:04Hydrostatic Pressure Force on a Curved Surface
2.6K
Hydrostatic pressure on curved surfaces is a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics with broad applications in the civil engineering field. When fluid is in contact with a curved surface, as in a reservoir, dam, or storage tank, it exerts pressure that varies in magnitude and direction along the curved surface. To assess the total hydrostatic force exerted by the fluid on a curved structure, engineers typically isolate the fluid volume adjacent to the surface and analyze the forces acting on...
2.6K