Abstract

This paper proposes a method of monitoring the wave-front deformations of a parallel beam transmitted through an afocal system of large-aperture elements with high transmittance. The method has the advantage of making a wide allowance for residual sphericity of a flat etalon mirror without affecting the measurement accuracy and, as a consequence, of making it possible to transport the beam of a measurement stand to a distant optical system. The processes of adjustment and testing are modeled, on the basis of which conclusions are made concerning the allowable parameters of the elements of the measurement system. Two sample mirrors whose surface shape is known ahead of time are experimentally investigated, and the correctness of the method is confirmed.

© 2009 Optical Society of America

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