Quantification of critical alignment parameters for a rotationally-shearing interferometer employing exact ray trace


Por: Gutierrez-Herrera E., Strojnik M., Paez G.

Publicada: 1 ene 2010
Categoría: Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics

Resumen:
A rotationally-shearing interferometer (RSI) is sensitive to asymmetries in wave fronts. The rotational system, composed of a Dove prism, provides an adjustable sensitivity to the RSI, which is most desirable for asphericity measurements and extra-solar planet detection. We are interested in determining the magnitude of critical engineering parameters that ensure a performance better than ?/10 for the RSI. Previously, we determined that, when the manufacturing tolerance of the angles of a Dove prism is maintained within± 0.35 arcsec, the maximum wave-front deviation is less than ?/10 (at 633 nm). In this work, we study the angular and the change-induced deviations caused by the positioning of the rotational system. We determine, employing exact ray trace, the positioning tolerances and the resolution of the fine mirror movements needed to satisfy a maximum wave-front deviation of ?/10 in the RSI. This analysis shows that the compensating element of the RSI provides a 0.7 arcsec window, wherein the maximum OPD remains below ?/10. Moreover, the positioning tolerance in the RSI must lie within± 0.33 arcsec. The results suggest the use of piezoelectric actuators to control prism and mirror mounts to ensure the desired performance. © 2010 Taylor & Francis.

Filiaciones:
Gutierrez-Herrera E.:
 Centro de Investigaciones en Óptica, León, Mexico

Strojnik M.:
 Centro de Investigaciones en Óptica, León, Mexico

Paez G.:
 Centro de Investigaciones en Óptica, León, Mexico
ISSN: 09500340
Editorial
Taylor & Francis Ltd, London, United Kingdom, 4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND, Reino Unido
Tipo de documento: Article
Volumen: 57 Número: 6
Páginas: 444-459
WOS Id: 000277085100004