Modern precision optics are essential for demanding optical applications in the semiconductor, life science and aerospace industries. Even the slightest imaging errors can significantly impair the performance of an optical system.
Effective opto-mechanical design considers the influence of even the smallest manufacturing tolerances to maximize a systems performance. Wavefront analysis allows us to precisely analyze optical aberrations and correct them in a targeted manner. This process ensures high-quality imaging in our optical systems.
Setting new standards in metrology with wavefront analysis
The collection of all points reached simultaneously by a wave is referred to as the wavefront. As this wavefront passes through a medium, even the smallest material inhomogeneities or surface imperfections can cause it to deform.
In high-performance optical systems, such deformations must be kept to an absolute minimum in order to meet tight tolerances and ensure imaging quality at the highest level.
Wavefront analysis is an advanced method for quality control in optical systems. Using Shack-Hartmann sensors, POG analyze how light waves are deformed within the lens – for example, due to manufacturing limitations or material irregularities.
With our proprietary test benches, POG measure wavefront errors with high precision across a spectral range of 355 to 1050 nm – from the UV to the IR region. This enables POG to achieve excellent imaging performance even in complex lenses such as microscope or telescope optics – down to below the diffraction limit.
Wavefront analysis is an integral part of the assembly process. Imaging errors are detected and analyzed in real time, then minimized through precision adjustments. The result: ultra-precise lenses achieving accuracies below 16 mλ across the entire image field – a value well below the classical Marechal diffraction limit of 72 mλ.
Fig.: Wavefront analysis of an optical system at 740 nm (left), 530 nm (center) and 355 nm (right).
Your advantages
Precision metrology for high-performance optics
Complete in-house manufacturing chain
Fast turnaround times thanks to flexible production
Clear, efficient project execution and communication
What our expert says:
“Wavefront analysis is indispensable for us to ensure the highest imaging quality – both to detect and minimize quality issues during final assembly, and to fine-tune high-performance lenses based on precise measurement data.
What makes this process especially fascinating is observing, in real time, how aberrations are gradually reduced during alignment – until imaging performance well below the classical diffraction limit is achieved.
A major highlight to-date was the production of a series of microscope objectives with average wavefront errors of less than 16 mλ across the entire image field – a truly impressive result below the diffraction limit. This would not have been possible without our precise wavefront analysis.”
Johann
Optical Designer
