Testing Generalized Rotationally-Symmetric Aspheric Optical Surfaces Using Null Reflective Compensating Components

A new technique for the testing of generalized rotationally-symmetric aspheric surfaces is presented. The technique utilizes commercially available interferometric equipment and unique aspheric compensating components. For each test, the aspheric compensating component is designed as a null reflective end-mirror in the interferometric cavity containing the aspheric surface under test. The aspheric compensating component can be produced by diamond-machining techniques. The design methodology, limitations of the technique and examples are presented.