Open AccessEdge clustered fitting grids for φ-polynomial characterization of freeform optical surfaces
Author(s) -
Ilhan Kaya,
Kevin P. Thompson,
Jannick P. Rolland
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
optics express
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.394
H-Index - 271
ISSN - 1094-4087
DOI - 10.1364/oe.19.026962
Subject(s) - zernike polynomials , polynomial , enhanced data rates for gsm evolution , surface (topology) , computation , representation (politics) , optics , grid , computer science , diamond , geometry , algorithm , materials science , mathematics , wavefront , artificial intelligence , physics , mathematical analysis , politics , law , political science , composite material
With the recent emergence of slow-servo diamond turning, optical designs with surfaces that are not intrinsically rotationally symmetric can be manufactured. In this paper, we demonstrate some important limitations to Zernike polynomial representation of optical surfaces in describing the evolving freeform surface descriptions that are effective for optical design and encountered during optical fabrication. Specifically, we show that the ray grids commonly used in sampling a freeform surface to form a database from which to perform a φ-polynomial fit is limiting the efficacy of computation. We show an edge-clustered fitting grid that effectively suppresses the edge ringing that arises as the polynomial adapts to the fully nonsymmetric features of the surface.