Optical Metrology

Optical Testing and Interferometry Services

With AMS optical testing and interferometry services, your samples will be measured accurately by an expert optical metrologist with over 25 years of experience. AMS uses ZYGO interferometers, including a Dynafiz^TM for reference calibrations and surface/wavefront error, a VeriFire^TM MST for parallel surface and homogeneity testing, a VeriFire^TM with Distance Measuring Interferometry (DMI) for radius of curvature, and the NewView^TM for surface roughness and texture. We use computer generated holograms (CGHs) to test cylinders and aspheres. Browse our offerings below, and Contact Us to discuss your specific testing needs.

Large Aperture Interferometry

Using the VeriFire^™ MST and VeriFire^™ with DMI

Surface Form, Flatness, Power, Irregularity, Radius of Curvature
- Flat, spherical, and cylindrical surfaces
Transmitted Wavefront Error (TWE, TWD)
- Windows
- Lenses / Lens Assemblies
- CGHs
- Beamsplitters
- Prisms
Wedge, Beam Deviation
- Windows
Reflected Wavefront Error (RWE, RWD) of Mirrors
- Flat
- Parabolic
- Hyperbolic
- Elliptical
Thickness Variation
Homogeneity (PHOM)
- Windows
Angular Errors
- Prisms, Corner Cubes, Angled Mirrors

Microscopic Interferometry

Using the NewView^™ Scanning White Light Interferometer

Surface Roughness and Texture
Surface Form of shapes or finishes that cannot be measured using Large Aperture
Form/Waviness/Roughness Analysis
Surface Angles and Geometry
Thickness Variation

Optical Certification Services

Traceable per ISO 17025

Transmission Flats, Reference Flats
Transmission Spheres, Reference Spheres
General Optics

Data Processing in MetroPro^® and Mx^™

Automate Your Repetitive Processes

Custom Results
Batch Data Calculations
Batch Screen Shot Generations

Don’t see your testing requirement listed? Contact Us to inquire.

Large Aperture Interferometry

VeriFire^™ MST with FTPSI, VeriFire^™ with DMI

Send your samples to AMS, and we will test them for overall form, radius of curvature, transmitted wavefront error, and more. AMS can discuss your application and design a test plan to provide the results you need. If there is a potential metrology issue at the supplier, AMS can review your manufacturer’s optical testing practices and provide appropriate training if desired.

Form and transmitted wavefront error of flat optics, as well as transmitted wavefront of most optical assemblies are measured using the VeriFire™ MST interferometer. Its wavelength-shifting capability enables isolation of multiple fringe patterns using Fourier Transform Phase-Shifting Interferometry (FTPSI), so your samples do not have to be painted on the back surface to measure the front.

Spherical form and radius of curvature are measured using a 6” VeriFire^™ paired with a distance measuring interferometer (DMI).

1K x 1K cameras are used with a choice of 33mm, 4”, 6”, and 12” apertures; contact us if you have a sample that is larger.

Microscopic Interferometry

NewView^™ Scanning White Light Interferometer

AMS uses the NewView^™ to test samples for roughness, waviness, and other small-scale quantities. Both rigid and slightly pliable materials can be tested. With low magnification objectives, form errors of small samples that cannot be measured on the large aperture can be measured here.

Optical Certification Services

VeriFire^™ MST

Large aperture optical testing requires a high quality reference optic, either a Transmission Flat (TF) or Transmission Sphere (TS). Certification services ensure that this reference is still within its stated specification. Certifications are required to be performed at regular intervals to satisfy ISO 9001 quality standards. AMS’ absolute testing methods are fully traceable, satisfying ISO 17025 standards as well.

Knowing the reference quality gives the engineer an idea of the measurement limitations when using the reference in a relative test. If the part specification is tight, the part measurement may require that the reference error be subtracted from the measurement.

Certifications on a reference optic of 1/20th wave PV are accurate to 1/300th wave or better. Certificates state the measured PV and related uncertainty. A surface map of the optic is provided with every certificate.

Quantities we can certify include flatness, spherical form, and spherical radius of curvature.

Data Processing

MetroPro^® and Mx^™ Software

Perhaps you own an interferometer and have a repetitive procedure that your employees have to carry out hundreds of times per day, such as quickly generating screen shots for a set of measured parts or analyzing multiple subapertures on many parts. Some companies find that they need to satisfy a specification whose result is not available in MetroPro. These are just a of the examples of how AMS has helped optical manufacturers operate more efficiently.

Additional Testing Services

If you have a testing need that is not listed in this table, Contact Us to inquire.