Optimax Systems, a leading optical fabrication and metrology company, has developed advanced techniques for measuring these complex lenses. In a recent article in Electro Optics magazine, Jessica DeGroote Nelson, Optimax's Director of Technology & Strategy, discussed the challenges of measuring freeform and aspheric lenses and the solutions that Optimax has developed.
One of the main challenges of measuring freeform and aspheric lenses is that they do not have a regular shape, making traditional measurement techniques difficult or impossible to use. Conventional metrology techniques, such as interferometry or profilometry, rely on scanning the surface of an object in a regular pattern. However, for a freeform surface, there is no regular pattern to scan, making it impossible to accurately measure the surface.
Optimax has developed a novel technique for measuring freeform and aspheric lenses using a single point probe. This technique involves moving a probe over the surface of the lens and measuring the distance between the probe tip and the surface using a high-precision displacement sensor. By measuring the distance at multiple points, Optimax can reconstruct the shape of the lens surface with high accuracy.
The single point probe technique is particularly well-suited to measuring dual side freeform lenses, which have complex surfaces on both sides. These lenses are commonly used in applications such as head-mounted displays, virtual reality systems, and laser projection systems. Accurate measurement of the surfaces on both sides of the lens is essential for ensuring optimal performance.
Optimax's single point probe technique has several advantages over traditional metrology techniques. It is highly accurate, with sub-micron resolution, and can measure surfaces with a wide range of shapes and curvatures. It is also fast and efficient, with measurement times typically less than a minute. This makes it an ideal tool for high-throughput production environments.
In conclusion, the demand for freeform and aspheric lenses is growing rapidly, driven by the need for high-performance optical systems in a wide range of applications. Accurate and reliable measurement of these lenses is essential for ensuring optimal performance. Optimax's single point probe technique provides a powerful solution for measuring these complex surfaces, particularly for dual side freeform lenses. With its high accuracy, efficiency, and versatility, this technique is helping to drive advances in optical design and manufacturing.