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I was never satisfied with my explanation of lens centering, so this Chapter is another try. Start with a diagram that is familiar to anyone who has some familiarity with optics, the diagram that explains first order image formation as in Fig. 1. Fig. 1 A generic optical system with the two rays that define […]

This chapter may seem out of sequence, but it tackles a recurring challenge that arguably deserved attention in a previous chapter: aligning convex surfaces. These surfaces appear nearly as often as their easier-to-align concave counterparts, yet they’re frequently overlooked—perhaps because they’re more difficult to visualize and work with. But they do exist, and they can’t […]

Optical alignment errors cost research labs and manufacturing facilities thousands of dollars in wasted time, scrapped components, and delayed project timelines. A single misalignment can cascade into weeks of troubleshooting, missed deadlines, and compromised optical system performance. After decades of developing precision alignment tools and working with research institutions worldwide, we’ve identified the most common—and […]

Choosing the right metrology tool for optical alignment can significantly impact your project’s success, timeline, and budget. Two of the most powerful instruments available are interferometers and Point Source Microscopes (PSM). While both excel at precision measurement, they serve different purposes and offer distinct advantages. At Optical Perspectives Group, we help optical engineers select the […]

Simon P. Tsaoussisa, W. Andrew Chenga, Ronnie Appelsb, and Robert E. Parksc  aKostaCLOUD Inc., 5795 Commerce Lane, South Miami, FL 33143, USA  bTucson Optical Research Corp., 210 S Plumer Ave, Tucson, AZ 85719, USA cOptical Perspectives Group LLC, 7011 E Calle Tolosa, Tucson, AZ 85750, USA ABSTRACT  We propose a realistic model for tolerancing ofscattered surface […]

In this document, we will describe a general approach/method to measure optical surfaces in reflection and/or transmission when the incoming beam is not a simple plane wave. Among such tests are the Hindle test for measuring convex surfaces and the Ritchey-Common (RC) test for flat, concave, or convex surfaces. We will explain the concept using […]