Mechanism-data fusion for quantitative prediction of transmitted wavefront error in multi-point bonded optics

Area of Science:

• Optics and Materials Science
• Mechanical Engineering
• Optical Metrology

Background:

• Adhesive bonding of optical components can induce transmitted wavefront error (TWE).
• Understanding the competing physical mechanisms (photoelastic and Poisson effects) is crucial for predicting TWE.
• Inaccessibility of rear surfaces during loading complicates direct measurement and analysis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a mechanism-data fusion method for quantitative TWE prediction in bonded optical components.
• To decouple and assess the contributions of photoelastic and Poisson effects on TWE.
• To validate the predictive model using experimental interferometric measurements.

Main Methods:

• A mechanism-data fusion approach was employed to predict TWE.
• Transmitted wavefront error (TWE) sources were decoupled into photoelastic and Poisson effects.
• A bounding analysis strategy was implemented to establish prediction intervals for inaccessible rear surfaces.

Main Results:

• Poisson-induced surface deformation was found to be approximately one order of magnitude larger than the photoelastic effect for N-BK7 components.
• The predictive model demonstrated good agreement with interferometric measurements, with a mean relative prediction error of ~10%.
• Measured wavefront RMS values generally fell within the predicted bounds, validating the model's accuracy.

Conclusions:

• The proposed framework quantitatively captures dominant physical mechanisms governing assembly-induced wavefront error.
• The method provides a mechanism-informed basis for predictive analysis of bonded opto-mechanical assemblies.
• This approach enhances the understanding and mitigation of TWE in optical manufacturing and assembly.