Features include 3D surface reconstruction, allowing user to produce 3D surface error map with a 2D contact profilometer and work piece rotation.
OptiPro Systems, LLC continues their dedication to advance precision optics manufacturing technology with the development of new features to their Aspheric Profilometer Data Analysis Software, OptiTrace, enhancing the capabilities of the OptiTrace 5000 contact profilometer (http://www.optipro.com/asphere-measurement.html). Among the new features are multiple profile loading and 3D surface reconstruction, which will yield more detailed surface analysis of precision optics.
With multiple profile loading, the user is now able to load multiple traces from the same optic on one plot. This gives the user the ability to overlay scans of iterative correction attempts on top of one another so that the operator can see where/how the optic is changing. Understanding the progression of optics after each correction run will help companies further optimize their precision optical fabrication processes.
The 3D reconstruction tool allows the operator to create a 3D surface error map using a 2D contact profilometer. Instead of being limited to rotationally symmetric error when correcting with a 2D profile scan, the user can now focus on asymmetric error as well. The user takes the desired number of scans in a bicycle wheel spoke pattern around the optic, rotating it at specific intervals. The algorithm analyzes the data traces and the angles they were taken at and produces a 3D surface error map. The 3D surface error map can then be exported to a variety of common formats for deterministic correction.
Figure 1: Four traces are taken at 45 degree intervals, and the algorithm analyzes the data to produce a 3D surface map.
“The ability to generate 3D surface error maps gives optical manufacturers a more detailed analysis of what corrections need to be made and greater assurance that the desired surface accuracy is achieved,” says Ed Fess, Research and Development Manager at OptiPro. “When it comes to precision optics, having the ideal metrology solution is invaluable because customer satisfaction is riding on your ability to meet specs. The powerful new features to the OptiTrace software helps companies rest assured that they are producing exceptional precision optics.”