Rotation-free industrial alignment of high performance optics

Abstract

Conventional production methods for high precision lens alignment typically rely on lens rotation. In the case of rotationally non-symmetric optics and mounts, this is problematic. Here, we report a new concept for alignment bonding without lens rotation, based on a high precision linear bearing as position reference and a hexapod actuator for lens manipulation. For the optical axis of two test lenses after bonding, <1 arcmin element tilt and <10 μm decentre was achieved. This is confirmed by an independent measurement. Our alignment device and process can be applied for any lens and mount geometry. This will be especially useful for high-end products with small size and for rotationally non-symmetric systems.