Turnkey wavefront measurement systems for optics testing in R&D and inline production environments

Micro-Epsilon has introduced a range of wavefront measurement systems and modules for optics testing. 

Based on the SHSLab range of Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors from Optocraft GmbH – a member of the Micro-Epsilon group of companies since 2018 – SHSInspect is a range of turnkey wavefront measurement systems, measurement modules and automated software tools for a wide variety of applications in optics and optical systems, including objective lens testing, testing of optical elements and windows, surface shape measurement and inline measurement and automation.

Turnkey solutions

Two configurations of SHSInspect are available: with SHSInspect 1Xpass, the measurement beam is transmitted through the test specimens only once, while with the SHSInspect 2Xpass, the light is reflected back after the first transmission by a mirror and passes through the test sample twice.

One advantage of SHSInspect 2Xpass is that the effect of the test specimen on the wavefront is doubled. This means the measurement sensitivity is increased, which enables extremely precise measurements. As a result of the optical layout, the whole measurement configuration can be calibrated simply by means of a plane mirror and a reference sphere.

Flexible and easy to integrate

SHSInspect can be easily integrated into an automated production environment and measures in real time in terms of the production cycle. Depending on sensor size, the SHSInspect 1Xpass and 2Xpass systems reach frame rates between 1 and 50Hz – in special applications even up to 1,000Hz. Ultimately, the time required to insert the test specimen into the measuring equipment determines the measuring rate.

SHSInspect systems can achieve very high accuracy and sensitivity, even in harsh conditions. The pure sensor head (SHSCam HR) achieves a typical base accuracy (uncalibrated) of λ/15 PV. Depending on the optical structure of the test system, even higher precision can be achieved using suitable calibration measures. In the case of the SHSInspect 2Xpass system, a value of λ/20 PV has been proven in direct comparisons with a Fizeau interferometer.

Custom, multi-functional systems

SHSInspect can be considered as a platform that is optimally adapted to the requirements of the customer. The system is flexible and more cost-effective than an interferometer, while covering a wider functional range. On-axis and off-axis measurements with field angles up to 50° are currently available, with larger angles feasible. Due to the combination of mechanical and optical measurement variables, both the BFL (Back Focal Length) and the EFL (Effective Focal Length) can be measured.

In production environments, the measurement process can be implemented as a semi- or fully automatic one. In the case of a semi-automatic system, the test specimen is inserted manually into the measuring system, while SHSInspect carries out the measurement process automatically. However, this manual loading and unloading can be performed using a robot.

Measurement modules

In addition, to complete turnkey measurement systems, optical measurement modules are available for inline testing or for integration into customers’ own setups. The SHSInspect RL module, for example, is a high accuracy, flexible module that can be integrated into customer setups, OEM systems or inline testing. The module can be used for:

* Wavefront, Zernike, PSF and MTF

* Alignment and final testing

* Surface and radius of curvature

* Optical elements such as plano optics, filters, spheric and aspheric lens elements, mirrors, etc

* Optics for lasers and microscopy: objective lenses with low and high NA, air and immersion, high end and mass production

* Optics for consumer devices: R&D and quality control of lenses for mobile devices, camera lenses, etc

* Astronomy, space: telescopes, instruments, etc

* Optics in mass production: automated assembly and inspection, etc.

* Advanced wavefront analysis software

All SHSInspect systems and modules benefit from SHSWorks wavefront analysis software package that can capture multiple properties of optics and optical systems in just a single measurement. The software allows complete Zernike polynomial analysis, PSF/MTF calculation, laser beam parameter calculation and refractive data.