April 27, 2023 Case Study: Interferometer Boosts Guernsey Coating’s Capabilities and Growth Opportunities
Guernsey Coating Labs, a Ventura, CA-based company has supplied optical thin film coatings to the industry for over 40 years. Guernsey recently purchased a Zygo interferometer with an Äpre software upgrade. Ty Guernsey, President and Founder, shares how this has assisted in expanding capabilities for her company. What challenges led you to invest in interferometry?… read more »
November 9, 2022 The Cost of Metrology
Advanced Optics Require Advanced Interferometers to Improve Processes, Minimize Risk Today’s leading precision optics manufacturers are learning from past mistakes. Leaders look to boost profitability while adding capabilities that can handle the demands of complex optics and their applications. While it may sound counterintuitive to look back when trying to solve the challenges of your… read more »
May 13, 2022 ÄPRE Hiring East Coast Sales Engineer
Click here to download the complete job description APRE East Coast Sales Engineer Email ÄPRE human resources at inquire@apre-inst.com for more information or to apply.
October 22, 2020 Optical Surface Radius of Curvature
Optical surface radius is a primary control parameter. It must be measured to confirm the optical element meets specification. Spectrally Controlled Interferometry promises a faster and more accurate method to measure surface radius. Multiple methods are presently used to measure radius. Test plates: A test plate has a pre-measured radius to which the test surface… read more »
October 20, 2020 Measuring Material Homogeneity with SCI
Material Homogeneity Optical index homogeneity is an important material parameter influencing lens performance. Laser interferometers have painstakingly measured this parameter which requires four separate measurements. Laser interferometers have either required the use of contact plates with oft times poisonous index matching fluids. Or polishing a wedge into the test part to isolate the front from… read more »
October 9, 2019 Measuring Optical Domes: Faster and More Accurate with SCI
Optical domes are an important component in environmentally challenging imaging environments. Accurate metrology is required to achieve good imaging system performance. Applications of Dome Optics Dome optics are the last component in a growing number of imaging and guidance applications. Domes protect the imaging optics from the surrounding environment without degrading optical performance. Therefore the… read more »
July 17, 2019 Measuring Prisms: Multiple Wavefront Channels In One Setup
Prism Stacks Produce Multiple Wavefronts Prism stacks are difficult or even impossible to measure with a laser interferometer, yet are easy to measure with Spectrally Controlled Interferometry (SCI). Examples of prism stacks for projector imaging systems, displacement measuring, monolithic or assembled component interferometers, and RGB combiners. Laser Interferometer Back Reflections A laser light source interferometers… read more »
June 18, 2019 Measuring Prisms: S1, S2, Wavefront + Relative Angle
Prisms are complex optical components. Transmitted wavefront performance is controlled by multiple surfaces, the angle between them, and the material homogeneity. SCI makes interferometric prism measurement fast, easy and more accurate than conventional methods. Conventional Approach: Multiple Instruments, Delayed Shipments Prisms are typically measured on multiple instruments and in several setups. A goniometer measures angles,… read more »
April 11, 2019 Total Thickness Variation (TTV)
Thickness variation (TTV), and often wedge, is specified in optical windows and substrates. There are two methods for measuring TTV: Front-to-Back and Direct. Front-to-Back TTV can only be calculated if the front and back measurements are performed without translating or moving the part. While this restriction poses challenges for traditional laser Fizeau systems, this is… read more »
April 2, 2019 Measuring Plane-Parallel Substrates
Plane-Parallel Substrates What could be easier than measuring a plate of glass? Actually, almost all interferometric measurements are easier! Measuring a plate of glass, or a substrate, is one of the most difficult interferometric measurements. In a laser interferometer, the two surfaces of the plate simultaneously interfere with the reference surface and each other creating… read more »
