Patent ID: 6734979
Filing Date: 2004-05-11
Classification: G01B,G01J,G01M

Abstract:
A method for reducing the uncertainty in the precision measurement of aspheric surfaces and wavefronts, said method comprising the steps of:mounting a transmission sphere in an interferometer and calibrating its emergent wavefront by comparing it to an optical sphere that is moved and sampled in a predetermined manner to make it act like a substantially perfect sphere mounted on a slideway; using the calibrated wavefront from the interferometer, measure a spherical artifact mounted on the slideway and calibrate its surface; mounting a transmission asphere in the interferometer and calibrating its emergent wavefront by comparing it to the calibrated spherical artifact mounted on the slideway; and using the calibrated aspheric wavefront from the interferometer, measure an aspherical artifact mounted on the slideway and calibrate its surface.