Diffractive null compensators for aspheric testing

This CRADA has combined the resources of a national laboratory and an innovative small company to evaluate and refine a revolutionary system for testing aspheric optics. This system uses special computer-generated holograms (CGHs), known as diffractive null correctors (DNCs), to achieve versatile and reliable measurements of aspheric optical components. The hardware is specifically designed to be compatible with existing test equipment common to most optical manufacturers. Traditionally, the high costs associated with testing aspheric components have significantly limited their use. Through the activities of this CRADA Diffraction International has been able to commercialize a novel testing system that enables optics manufacturers to test aspheric optical components using their existing interferometric test equipment. As a result, the benefits of aspheric optical systems (high performance, compact size, and light weight) can be realized in new applications where cost has previously been prohibitive. The Diffraction International ``CGH Null Adapter`` is available to the optics manufacturing industry at an attractive price. This product effectively reduces the entry level cost of testing aspheric optics with CGHs by an order of magnitude. The low cost hardware is backed with the support of world class expertise in the design and application of CGHs for aspheric testing. The combination will significantly advance the state of the art in aspheric optical testing equipment available to optics manufacturers