Testing of telescope optics: a new approach
Abstract
Results recently obtained for the use of the curvature-sensing method as a substitute for slope sensing in optical wavefront reconstruction, using long-exposure CCD images of the beam cross-section on either side of the telescope focal plane. A program based on the solution to the Poisson equation is then applied in order to reconstruct the wavefront. Relative to the existing Hartmann sensing methods, curvature-sensing yields sensitivity comparable to that of the Shack-Hartmann test. Additional optics and reference plane-based calibration are obviated. Tests of the new method on an 88-inch Ritchey-Chretien telescope have yielded a map of residual wavefront errors as a solution of the Poisson equation.
- Publication:
-
Advanced Technology Optical Telescopes IV
- Pub Date:
- July 1990
- DOI:
- 10.1117/12.19190
- Bibcode:
- 1990SPIE.1236..756R
- Keywords:
-
- Aberration;
- Focal Plane Devices;
- Mirrors;
- Reflecting Telescopes;
- Wave Fronts;
- Charge Coupled Devices;
- Optical Measurement;
- Pixels;
- Optics