OptiSpheric^®

• Set up
  
  
• Manual focusing or Auto focus
  
  
• Measurement of Plano Optics
  
  
• Measurement of centering errors
  
  
• Multi-wavelength capabilities
  
  
  

The Measuring Head is basically an optical sensor including an autocollimating device, a high resolution CCD-Camera and appropriate illuminated targets. The illumination unit behind the reticle is adapted to the reflecting properties of the sample. The high resolution CCD-camera is mounted so that the focal plane of the measuring head precisely corresponds with the CCD-camera chip. The CCD-camera is connected to a frame grabber mounted in the PC.

The Stand can be either a motorized stage featuring microstep operation (OptiSpheric^® Auto Focus) or a mechanical precision stage with two travel mechanisms: a coarse travel and a coaxial ultra-fine focusing mechanism (OptiSpheric^®).

The ultra-fine mechanism is especially useful in applications where a smooth, precise motion of optical instruments or subsystems are required. The bottom body of the stand contains the collimator with manual or fully automated reticle changer and an adjustable mirror for beam deviation.

The Collimator is equipped with a rotateable reticle and filter changer. Depending on the measurement range and the spectral range required, the reticle changer can be equipped with 4, 6 or 10 reticles and a corresponding number of filters. The standard measuring wavelength is 546nm. If multi-wave capabilities are required, the OptiSpheric^® can be upgraded to measure at several wavelengths in visible or near infrared range.
For fully automated operation TRIOPTICS developed a precision motorized reticle and filter changer. The selection and rotation into the working position of the most appropriate reticle or filter is software controlled.

The OptiSpheric^® stepper motor stages operated in Micro Step mode feature high resolution in sub micrometer range and speed in operation. In combination with the powerful Auto Focus feature the stepper motor stages provide ultra-accurate positioning and easy operation. The software controlled measuring procedure and the Auto Focus system will significantly reduce the dependence on the qualification or tiredness of the operator.

When testing optics in large quantities or with highest accuracy the use of the Auto Focus is indispensable. Combined with the software package featuring measurement certificate, storage of measurement data and statistical evaluation the AutoFocus optical station fulfills the requirements of modern optical testing and of ISO 9000. The Auto Focus driven measuring procedure provides not only more reliable but also more accurate measurement data.

However, when measuring small quantities of optics and flexibility is an important requirement, the use of the Manual Stand of OptiSpheric^® becomes justifiable.

The OptiSpheric^® Stand with the fast rack and pinion mechanism and the coaxial ultra-fine focusing mechanism responds optimally to the basic requirements of optical measurement: quick positioning of the measuring head for efficient testing work and smooth focusing.

However, the accuracy of the manual OptiSpheric^® is lower than of OptiSpheric^® Auto Focus and the operator’s influence on the measurement results is considerably higher.

The addition of a software module-belonging to OptiAngle^® (another subsystem of OptiTest)-and the use of specific mechanical fixtures converts the OptiSpheric to a powerful tool for angle measurement of:

• wedges and filters
• 90°-prisms
• parallelism of plane plates
• deviation angle through wedges and prisms
• mirror tilt
• alignment of CD-optical heads
• wobble of rotating glass disks

The angle measurements of plano optics are made directly with the autocollimator of the measuring head (without additional head lenses). Extension for measurement of plano optics includes:

• Software module Angle 1
• Mechanical fixtures : three-ball supports of different diameters, prism fixtures, etc. (to be mounted on the instrument tilt table).

More detailed information on measurement of plano optics is included in TRIOPTICS brochure OptiAngle^®.

The OptiSpheric^® performance can be further increased by adding software modules and accessories from OptiCentric^® (another subsystems of OptiTest). Applications include measurement of centering errors in transmission and reflection. Using appropriate accessories even the alignment or cementing of optics can be carried out. With this extension of the measuring capabilities the OptiSpheric^® becomes a valuable and indispensable quality tool for any optical shop or laboratory.

OptiSpheric^®/OptiCentric^®: This powerful combination features full capabilities for measurement of almost all optical parameters and for measurement of Centration errors, alignment, cementing and assembly of optical systems. In addition to the standard OptiSpheric^®/OptiCentric^® instrument line, a lot of outstanding hardware and software system components can be selected:

• OptiSpheric^®/OptiCentric^® Dual Measuring Head - for simultaneous measurement of bottom and upper lens surfaces
• MultiLens Software Package-for automated checking of Centration errors of lenses in mounted condition with large number of elements
• SmartAlign Software Package for easy and errorless alignment of objective lenses before cementing

A large range of accessories for accurate and efficient measurement of centering errors are available:

• precision rotary holders
• lens rotation devices with vacuum
• tilt and translation precision tables
• ultra precision air bearing tables, etc.

Illumination devices have been specifically designed to provide reliable results even in difficult applications as surfaces with AR-coating.

The software module provides fast and accurate results, shows the size and direction of the decentration and evaluates even extremely weak and blurred images.

To respond to industry requirements for providing measurement capabilities at different wavelengths, TRIOPTICS developed the OptiSpheric^® Multi-Wave able to measure almost all of the optical parameters at different wavelengths. Normally several wavelengths in visible spectral range are offered, e.g. 400nm, 546nm, 650nm and 780nm. On request measurement capabilities in near-infrared (NIR) or ultra violet(UV) spectral range are provided.

The multi-wavelength capabilities require a complex instrument design, a specific adjustment of the instrument and an individual matching of all instrument components to the wavelengths requested. Unlike other suppliers TRIOPTICS is providing a real multi-wavelength design and is offering real multi-wavelength measuring capabilities:

• A special collimator is adjusted such that the reticle for a certain wavelength is accurately set at the BFL corresponding to the wavelength
• Narrow interference filters are used to precisely select the required wavelength
• The relay lens of the measuring head is selected to optimally cover the wavelength range requested. NIR or UV corrected rely lenses are used for regions of the spectral range outside the visible range
• Special CCD-Cameras, enhanced for the intended spectral range, provide optimal measurement capabilities

Finally an individual calibration for each wavelength and each measurement range is performed and certified.