March 7, 2016 Measuring Steep Sphere and Asphere Surfaces – Buyers Guide Chapter 7
In this blog the measurement of steep spheres and aspheres with a Fizeau interferometer is discussed. Steep Convex Spheres – Stitching A limitation of Fizeau interferometry is the inability to measure steep convex spheres with f#’s beyond the reference surface f#. This is a severe limitation for spot polishing machines that require data across the entire… read more »
February 23, 2016 Photonics West 2016
Zygo® GPI™ Upgrades Introduced At Photonics West we introduced a new product, upgrading Zygo® GPI™ and Mark IV™ interferometers. This also includes the VeriFire™ line of interferometers. All these system are basically the same with minor variations and which we can accommodate. We are pleased by the growing excitement about our ÄPRE REVEAL™ software. Its backward compatibility… read more »
February 23, 2016 Harsh Environment Testing: Optical Towers and In-situ Metrology – Buyers Guide Chapter 6
In this blog measurement of optics in a harsh environment with a Fizeau interferometer is discussed. For large systems, typically telescopes, vibration and air turbulence hinder or prevent the measurement phase by temporal phase shifting. Also interferometers placed on machine tools to measure in situ experience a vibrating environment. When vibration and turbulence hinder measurement then only a… read more »
February 9, 2016 Spot Polished Spherical and Flat Optical Components – Buyers Guide Chapter 5
In this blog the measurement of spherical and flat optics with a Fizeau interferometer that have been spot polished is discussed. Spot polishing machines for rapid manufacture of standard and high accuracy spheres place new requirements on interferometer systems. The spot polishing method can create small ripple in the surface while shaping the overall form. Accurate… read more »
February 1, 2016 Optical System Alignment and Wavefront Measurement – Buyers Guide Chapter 4
In this blog the alignment of optical systems with a Fizeau interferometer is discussed. The goal of a system wavefront test is alignment and confirmation of system performance. The measurement of optical system wavefront often requires a custom interferometer. When a fully reflective system is measured a standard HeNe laser Fizeau is sufficient as the wavelength does… read more »
January 29, 2016 Lap Polished Flats, Spheres and Prismatic Components – Buyers Guide Chapter 3
In this blog the measurement of optics with a Fizeau interferometer that have been lap polished is discussed. What interferometer is needed to produce good parts? Each manufacturing process requires a specific measurand, the quantity to be measured, to provide the feedback necessary to control the process and produce good parts. In the following posts several applications… read more »
January 22, 2016 Brief History of the Laser Fizeau Interferometer – Buyers Guide Chapter 2
Click here to read an detailed history In this blog a brief historical outline of the Fizeau interferometer is presented. Understanding the history of the commercial laser Fizeau interferometer helps to understand the choices available in today’s market. Some systems available today are remnants of historic designs. Circa 1850: Fizeau Interferometer Invented Hippolyte Fizeau invented this interferometer… read more »
January 21, 2016 Fizeau Interferometer Buyers Guide – Chapter 1
The many laser Fizeau interferometer choices make selection confusing. You don’t want an laser Fizeau interferometer. You just want optics that meet specification, and your Fizeau interferometer helps you do just that. Yet choosing the right interferometer can be confusing. Just consider the choices: Data Acquisition PSI, IPMI, or Carrier Fringe, or wavelength tuning, vibration insensitive, vibration… read more »
October 19, 2015 SPIE: Optifab Rochester NY
It was great making new acquaintances and meeting old friends in Rochester. Optifab continues to be a premier event for optical manufacturers and equipment makers alike. Even the autumn weather did not disappoint. The REVEAL v1.3 reception was excellent! The new features and capabilities struck a positive cord regarding ease of use and functionality. Especially… read more »
February 26, 2015 Photonics West – REVEAL & 12″ Fizeau
We had an exciting and active Photonics West this year. Co-exhibiting with Davidson Optronics we demonstrated Davidson’s new 12″ interferometer, designed by Äpre Instruments with Davidson, for Davidson’s manufacture and sales. ÄPRE performed all the sensor’s optical, optical mechanical design, system electronics, firmware and software, which of course runs on REVEAL™. This was an exciting project and… read more »
