Positioning of the test surface in a CGH null test by cat's eye interference

Abstract

Interferometric null test of optical aspheres and freeforms is one of the most established methods, in spite of recognized limitations related to positioning of the test surface. Slight misalignment of the surface in the null test system can introduce remarkable wave aberrations. Current approaches for positioning the test surface are based on a series of fiducial marks or retroreflectors set at given spots around the test surface, which consequently suffer the problem of datum transformation. We propose a method for positioning the test surface in a null test by cat's eye interference without any fiducial marks or retroreflectors. A computer-generated hologram (CGH) is used as null optics fabricated with null test pattern, alignment pattern and positioning pattern. A part of test beam with relatively small f/number is diffracted through the positioning pattern and then focuses on certain spots of the test surface. The cat's eye reflection from the test surface returns to the interferometer and interferes with the reference beam. It is then possible to precisely position the test surface by measuring the wavefront error of the cat's eye interference. The design method for such a CGH positioning pattern is presented, following the physical constraint that the surface normal at the cay's eye reflection is right the angular bisector of the positioning beam. Analysis on the positioning performance is then presented to show the sensitivity to misalignment including defocus, lateral shift and tip-tilt, which at last is experimentally verified by measuring an even asphere with a CGH.