Easy System Alignment
PSM Point Source Microscope for alignment of optics and optical systems
The PSM makes optical system alignment easy and deterministic. Perfect alignment means each component’s center-of-curvature and on-axis focused beam is positioned where the design specifies. The PSM plus suitable tooling rapidly achieves alignment by transferring mechanical datums to optical datums. The PSM has been applied to numerous complex systems including Offner relays, atmospheric error correction systems and off-axis telescopes.
Asphere Alignment
The PSM is also invaluable for aligning aspheric optics, including off-axis aspheres. The PSM locates point images and shows the image shape as a star test. The PSM enables adjusting the asphere to reduce alignment error to near zero by keeping the image in the correct location while adjusting the asphere to minimize aberrations.
Rapid Performance Test
PSM Point Source Microscope with objective and custom mount
The PSM sensitivity to image shape allows a quick check with λ/8 sensitivity. λ/8 is often sufficient to easily resolve out-of-specification optics without the expense or complication of using an interferometer. Further, the PSM can measure radius of curvature for production control, testing if a lens is flipped or, if it is the correct lens.
Some PSM Users
