The PhaseCam 5030 is a high performance, Twyman Green interferometer developed specifically to measure meter-class optics for terrestrial and space-based telescopes. Unlike traditional, phase-shifting interferometers, the PhaseCam utilizes Dynamic Interferometry to acquire all measurement information in a single exposure, enabling measurement in the presence of vibration and air turbulence. The system is fully remote operated, for permanent mounting in measurement towers, environmental testing chambers and clean rooms.
Measuring the surface quality of large optics has long been a considerable challenge for telescope and satellite manufacturers. Conventional interferometers are significantly impaired by vibration and environmental noise, requiring extensive and costly measures to couple the instrument and test piece, and to isolate both from vibration sources. Because the measurements often require that the interferometer be placed many tens of meters from such large optics, air turbulence also greatly diminishes the accuracy of traditional systems.
The PhaseCam 5030 includes a high-speed optical phase sensor that eliminates the need for slow, bulky phase-shifters, allowing the system to measure more than 10,000 times faster than a conventional, phase-shifting interferometer. Because of this near-instantaneous measurement speed, the PhaseCam is virtually immune to environmental noise, alleviating the need for vibration isolation systems. Measurement averaging software overcomes the effects of air turbulence, for highly accurate measurements even when the system is placed tens of meters from the test piece.
The turn-key PhaseCam system includes the interferometer, high-speed computer system and extended length cables for remote operation. 4SightTM analysis software, included with the PhaseCam, provides extensive 2D and 3D analysis options, as well as comprehensive data filtering, masking, databasing and import/export functions.
The PhaseCam 5030 is ideally suited for metrology of large optical elements, astronomical optics and aerospace systems, directed energy optics, clean room applications typically hampered by air flow turbulence, and use in vacuum and environmental chambers.