Characterization of an alignment procedure using an air bearing and off-the-shelf optics

L. Coyle; M. Dubin; J. H. Burge

doi:10.1117/12.863237

3 September 2010 Characterization of an alignment procedure using an air bearing and off-the-shelf optics

L. Coyle, M. Dubin, J. H. Burge

Proceedings Volume 7793, Optical System Alignment, Tolerancing, and Verification IV; 77930C (2010) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.863237
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2010, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

We characterize the precision of five approaches used to align a series of targets over a distance of two meters. For many applications, an alignment telescope provides the necessary precision for positioning targets. However, for systems with tight tolerances, we must have a measure of the uncertainties in the alignment telescope to determine if it can truly meet the system requirements. We develop a procedure to measure the precision of each alignment approach and compare their performances. We use a telescope constructed from off-the-shelf optics and mechanics to determine if we can obtain alignment precision comparable to an alignment telescope of superior optical quality.

Citation Download Citation

L. Coyle, M. Dubin, and J. H. Burge "Characterization of an alignment procedure using an air bearing and off-the-shelf optics", Proc. SPIE 7793, Optical System Alignment, Tolerancing, and Verification IV, 77930C (3 September 2010); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.863237

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