Method of minimizing stacking element distortions in optical assemblies

摘要

A compound optical assembly is constructed from a plurality of stacking elements for spacing, aligning, and retaining optical elements within the assembly. Stacking faces of the stacking elements are measured and low-order surface errors are extracted, represented by mathematical approximations having a primary angular frequency. The stacking elements including the optic holders are relatively oriented to promote complementarity between the low-order surface errors of mating stacking faces.

主权项

1. A method of assembling a compound optic including a plurality of stacking elements for spacing, aligning, and retaining optical elements comprising steps of
measuring stacking faces of a plurality of stacking elements that include optic holders, extracting from the measurements surface errors that can be represented by mathematical approximations having a primary angular frequency from the measurements of the stacking faces, relatively positioning the stacking elements including the optic holders in relative orientations that enhance complementarity between the surface errors of mating stacking faces, and securing combinations of relatively oriented stacking elements together to control stress or strain that would otherwise distort the optic holders in other relative orientations.