Smart and precise alignment of optical systems

Patrik Langehanenberg; Josef Heinisch; Daniel Stickler

doi:10.1117/12.2034592

15 October 2013 Smart and precise alignment of optical systems

Patrik Langehanenberg, Josef Heinisch, Daniel Stickler

Proceedings Volume 8884, Optifab 2013; 88842E (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2034592
Event: SPIE Optifab, 2013, Rochester, New York, United States

Abstract

For the assembly of any kind of optical systems the precise centration of every single element is of particular importance. Classically the precise alignment of optical components is based on the precise centering of all components to an external axis (usually a high-precision rotary spindle axis). Main drawback of this timeconsuming process is that it is significantly sensitive to misalignments of the reference (e.g. the housing) axis. In order to facilitate process in this contribution we present a novel alignment strategy for the TRIOPTICS OptiCentric® instrument family that directly aligns two elements with respect to each other by measuring the first element’s axis and using this axis as alignment reference without the detour of considering an external reference. According to the optical design any axis in the system can be chosen as target axis. In case of the alignment to a barrel this axis is measured by using a distance sensor (e.g., the classically used dial indicator). Instead of fine alignment the obtained data is used for the calculation of its orientation within the setup. Alternatively, the axis of an optical element (single lens or group of lenses) whose orientation is measured with the standard OptiCentric MultiLens concept can be used as a reference. In the instrument’s software the decentering of the adjusting element to the calculated axis is displayed in realtime and indicated by a target mark that can be used for the manual alignment. In addition, the obtained information can also be applied for active and fully automated alignment of lens assemblies with the help of motorized actuators.

Citation Download Citation

Patrik Langehanenberg, Josef Heinisch, and Daniel Stickler "Smart and precise alignment of optical systems", Proc. SPIE 8884, Optifab 2013, 88842E (15 October 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2034592

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