Metrology for the Manufacture of Freeform Optics

Author: Todd Blalock
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
Optimax Systems Inc.

Freeform optics are gaining popularity with lens designers and optical system integrators as a method to solve complex optical system design problems. Optimax has developed new freeform manufacturing techniques that have improved the capability and precision in the fabrication of these optics. However, as manufacturing techniques improve so must the metrology necessary to measure these parts. We will present some current freeform metrology techniques used that include two contact measurement systems, coordinate measurement machine, and a high-resolution profilometer, as well as a non-contact method called deflectometry.