Alignment of a three-mirror telescope using the sine condition test

Abstract

The Sine Condition Test has been experimentally demonstrated as an effective tool for measuring linearly field dependent aberrations in simple optical systems. Simulations have also shown that it can be used to provide feedback as part of an alignment procedure for more complex systems. In this paper we show how the Sine Condition Test was used as part of the process for aligning a three mirror telescope. We present the basic concept of the Sine Condition Test, how it was implemented in our system and the experimental results from multiple alignments. Finally, we compare our experimental results to simulated results.