Measurements of large optical surfaces with a laser tracker

Tom L. Zobrist, James H. Burge, Warren B. Davison, Hubert M. Martin

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

40 Scopus citations

Abstract

Surface measurements represent a significant part of the cost for manufacturing large aspheric optics. Both polished and rough ground surfaces must be measured with high precision and spatial resolution. We have developed a system that couples a commercial laser tracker with an advanced calibration technique and a system of external references. This system was built to measure the off-axis primary mirror segments for the Giant Magellan Telescope where it will guide loose abrasive grinding and initial polishing. The system is further expected to corroborate the optical interferometric tests of the completed mirrors, in several low-order aberrations. The design, analysis, calibration, and measured performance of this system will be presented.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAdvanced Optical and Mechanical Technologies in Telescopes and Instrumentation
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Externally publishedYes
EventAdvanced Optical and Mechanical Technologies in Telescopes and Instrumentation - Marseille, France
Duration: Jun 23 2008Jun 28 2008

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7018
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherAdvanced Optical and Mechanical Technologies in Telescopes and Instrumentation
Country/TerritoryFrance
CityMarseille
Period6/23/086/28/08

Keywords

  • Aspheres
  • Laser metrology
  • Optical fabrication
  • Optical testing
  • Telescopes

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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