Optical Surfaces Ltd. has published an article 'Unveiling the Cosmos' that discusses the latest challenges and trends in modern astronomy and describes how these advances have acted as a significant driver towards the improvement of their optical technologies.
Skilled technician aligning a telescope primary mirror
Using new high homogeneity optical materials and improved polishing compounds has enabled Optical Surfaces to make further improvements in their manufacturing of large space optics with very tight manufacturing tolerances. Combining this with the latest coating technologies the company is now able to deliver optical components with improved reflective / anti-reflective performance and enhanced environmental stability, protection and durability.
Over the last 50+ years, Optical Surfaces has established itself as is a leading designer and supplier of high precision astronomical optics operating over the entire spectral range from infrared to x-ray wavelengths.
Benefiting from operating in a unique production environment, free from vibration and temperature variation, Optical Surfaces Ltd is able to regularly produce high precision aspheric optics, ultra-smooth mirrors, high performance prisms, Schmidt camera and Laser launch telescope optics which stretch the limits of conventional optical fabrication techniques.
To certify the surface accuracy and precision of its astronomical optics, Optical Surfaces uses large aperture Zygo GPI, Twyman Green, Scatterplate, Fizeau and Laser Unequal Path (LUPI) interferometers which enables one-to-one testing of even the largest diameter astronomical optics. Topographic and fringe analysis provides precise testing of surface roughness and confirms the wavefront of various surface forms. A rolling program for calibration of test optics where possible to national standards and production approval to ISO 9001-2015 ensures that the quality of astronomical optics from Optical Surfaces is second to none.
To read the technical article in full please visit https://www.optisurf.com/index.php/unveiling-the-cosmos/. For further information on high precision astronomical optics please contact Optical Surfaces Ltd. on +44-208-668-6126 / [email protected]