Optical Specifications for Optical Design, Testing and Production.pdfVIP

Optical Specifications for Optical Design, Testing and Production W. Andrew. Cheng, PROSYS Optics Corporation Abstract We review some of the considerations in establishing optical specifications in taking an optical design through testing and production Keywords: optical, specifications, manufacture, testing, tolerances, design Introduction Once an optical design is complete, a highly interactive process begins to bring a design to practice. In particular, one needs to develop proper optical tolerances and other specifications together with the opto-mechanical designers, as well as with optics shops. The roadmap to a viable set of optical specifications is not always evident. A well-developed set of specifications can make a difference in schedule, cost as well as final success in performance. We shall review common practices in defining optical specifications and situations where they apply. We shall go over the following areas with emphasis on figure error: 1. General philosophy 2. Figure error 3. Thickness, radius of curvature, conic error and irregularity 4. Micro-roughness and scatter specifications 5. Coatings 6. Mechanical and material properties 7. Surface and element tolerances 1. General Philosophy—Form Follows Function The optics specifications should serve the application, not vice versa. Real life situations concerning the optics or other components may place constraints, but should not dominate the specifications without considering the impact on the original function and application. Handing out an automatic set without regard to actual environm