Freeform Optical Design Methodologies and Surface Metrology Using Deflectometry

Abstract

This dissertation covers contributions to the fields of optical design and optical testing using freeform optics applied to astronomical optics. A science goal based motivation for why these technologies are important to develop in the context of the next generation of astronomical optics is presented in Chapter 2. This is followed by a summary of the work on a method to guide the selection of freeform surfaces in an optical design, given in Chapter 3 and in detail in Appendix A. Freeform surfaces are again leveraged in a unique manner by applying them to dynamic optical configurations, summarized in Chapter 4 and in detail in Appendix B. Chapter 5 summarizes the contribution of an instantaneous phase shifting deflectometry method that leverages color multiplexing and Fourier transform based analysis to the field of freeform and dynamic optical testing, which is given in further detail in Appendix C. This methodology is applied to the dynamic calibration of a deformable mirror surface, summarized in Chapter 6 and in detail in Appendix D. The key results from each of the contributions to the two fields metrology and design of freeform optics are presented in the summary chapters, with further connections to the broader context of freeform surfaces and dynamic metrology applied to astronomical optics.