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Telescope characterization

Telescope characterization
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Characterization of a 10” Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope using HASO R-Flex™ Imagine Optic’s HASO™ wavefront sensors, based on patented Shack-Hartmann technology, are excellent tools for the precision metrology of optical systems. Easy to use and integrate, HASO’s wide dynamic range and exceptional precision allow users to characterise a wide range of dioptrical and catadioptrical systems. This document explains how using HASO R-Flex 32 enabled us to precisely characterize the wide-aperture optical system found in a SchmidtCassegrain telescope. The data acquired provided the information necessary to asses the effects of the secondary mirror’s misalignment and to use that information to correct its alignment.

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Configuring the test The diagram below shows an easy to configure method for measuring the wavefront error (WFE) of a SchmidtCassegrain telescope using an Imagine Optic HASO R-Flex 32 on a standard optical workbench. In this example, the source was adapted to the numerical aperture of the telescope by using a standard f/10 objective. Laser Diode (included with all models) being attached to a HASO R-Flex 32 with an f/10 objective. autocollimation mirror primary mirror HASO R-Flex secondary mirror source Schmidt plate Measuring the telescope’s WFE The first step in measuring the telescope is...

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2) Aligned HASO R-Flex in-line with the telescope's aperture (rotation of the autocollimation mirror) 3) Measured the telescope's WFE in referenced mode using the data file acquired in step 1. Before alignment - The wavefront display windows below shows us that there was a significant field aberration. When HASO R-Flex was aligned to the telescope's mechanical axis we discovered that the secondary mirror orientation had introduced coma aberrations into the optical system. After alignment - HASO's real-time measurement features enabled us to correct the telescope's alignment and observe the...

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