The Industry Standard for Centration Measurement of Lenses
TRIOPTICS offers a dual-head instrument series for the alignment and assembly of complex and multi-lens objectives, allowing the simultaneous alignment and measurement of bottom and top lens surfaces. Thus it is possible to determine and align/compensate centration errors of two optical surfaces in real time in both the x and y axis after just one rotation.
This proprietary design dramatically improves the capabilities of the instrument in the field of lens assembly and measurement of centration errors. The dual head is particularly efficient at measuring multiple lenses with MultiLens in order to determine the centration errors within an assembled optical system.
OptiCentric® Dual measuring an objective lens
Key Features:
- Two measurement heads simultaneously determine the centration of the top and bottom surface(s) of the sample
- Centration measurement within objective lenses (MultiLens Update included)
- Centration measurement accuracy better 0.1 µm
- Exchangeable head lenses for virtually unlimited measurement range without the need for inconveniently long stage movements of the measuring head
- Magnification optimized for every single lens surface
- Accurate and automated focusing of the measuring heads by motorized linear stages
- Modular: all accessories are of modular design and fully integrated into the software
Lower measuring head
Applications:
OptiCentric® 100 Dual extends the capabilities of the single head version for the facilitated measurement of
- Complex optical systems
- Infrared optics (OptiCentric® configuration depends on lens material and application)
- Aspherical lenses with AspheroCheck® module: tilt and shift of an aspherical axis
- Cylinder lenses, esp. with two cylindrical surfaces
- Plano optics with OptiAngle®
- Assembly of optical systems (visual and infrared)
OptiCentric® 9 – Comprehensive Software for the Centering Measurement
The new OptiCentric® 9 software allows intuitive control of the complete measuring and alignment process of an OptiCentric® system. For user-friendly operation, all setup steps and test sequences were mapped in linear processes. The newly designed software guides the user through all sub-steps, whereby only the relevant details are displayed. In this way, the software focuses on the essentials and increases process reliability.
The check begins with the selection of the relevant testing process. This can be, for example, the centration test of a single lens, the cementing of a doublet or triplet or the bonding of a lens into a mount. The user is guided through the setup steps and receives assistance wherever necessary. The software checks the respective inputs for plausibility and thus ensures the configuration of a correct process flow. Then the measurement takes place. Its measurement results are statistically analyzed and output in a clear table or integrated in a measurement certificate.
Centration error measurement with the software OptiCentric® 9
Key Features:
- Comprehensive and professional control of all measuring and alignment processes
- User-friendly and intuitive handling due to a linear process structure and guided processes
- Data acquisition and evaluation of all integrated sensors as well as checking the measuring process
- Patented MultiLens software module for the measurement of complex objective lenses
- Centration error calculation and alignment independent of the primary alignment accuracy of the reference element by a freely definable mechanical or optical reference axis (SmartAlign)
- Flexibly configurable data import and export allows a fast and complex connection to existing processes or databases
- Optional software extensions for the measurement of objective lenses, aspheres and cylindrical lenses
Software Modules for Special Tasks:
Configuration of a MulitLens measurement
The three powerful modules MultiLens, Alignment and SmartAlign make OptiCentric® a highly precise system for the inspection and alignment of complex objective lenses.
MultiLens: Measuring and Aligning Lenses to a Freely Selectable Reference Axis
MultiLens is the software module for measuring objective lenses. The centration error of each individual surface of an objective lens and the overall centration of the system are determined non-destructively. This information can be used to calculate the centration of each lens or sub-group to a freely selectable reference axis.
Alignment: Alignment of Lenses
The alignment module enables the production of doublet or triplets and mounted lenses. It supports the planning of the complete alignment process including the application of the adhesive and its curing.
SmartAlign: Centration Error Adjustment In Reference to a Pre-adjusted Axes Only
The SmartAlign module allows the precise and fast alignment of optical elements to a user-defined axis. This reference axis, which can be represented by optical or mechanical surfaces, only needs to be pre-adjusted for this process. Therefore, this unique tool is used successfully especially in automated OptiCentric® cementing and bonding systems.
| OptiCentric® 100 Dual | OptiCentric® 300 Dual | |
|---|---|---|
| Measurement accuracy in VIS range1) | 0.1 µm | 0.1 µm |
| Lens Rotation (Sample Diameter) | Air bearing AB 100 (0,5 - 225 mm option: lens rotation device | Air bearing AB 300 (0,5-400 mm) option: lens rotation device |
| Max. sample weight | Max. 20 kg 2 kg with lens Rotation device | Max. 300 kg |
| Linear stage | Motorized and PC-controlled | Motorized and PC-controlled |
| Measurement heads for VIS spectral range 2) | Two electronic ACMs, 200 mm EFL | Two electronic ACMs, 200 mm EFL |
| Light source3) | High power LED light source | High power LED light source |
| VIS-MWIR or VIS-LWIR measurement head | option | option |
- In stable environment conditions in 100 mm height over the top surface of the air bearing
- Other electronic autocollimators on request
- Other on request
Optional
- Equipped with low-coherence interferometer OptiSurf® for the center thickness measurement:
Setup as OptiCentric® 3D 100 Dual, OptiCentric® 3D 300 Dual - Equipped with IR measurement head:
Setup as OptiCentric® 100 Dual IR, OptiCentric® 300 Dual IR
Typical scope of delivery
- OptiCentric® System
- 17 Zoll rack with controller Units and PC
- Software
- Monitor
- Set of head lenses
- Accessories
Upgrades & Accessories
The OptiCentric® systems are modular and can be expanded with upgrades and accessories to extend their range of application when measuring centration, aligning lenses and cementing of achromats:
Updates and Upgrades
OptiSpheric® Upgrade
In addition to centration, with an OptiSpheric® Update it is also possible to measure the effective focal length, back focal length, flange focal length, radius of curvature and the on-axis MTF.
MultiLens Update
MultiLens is the software Update for measuringcomplete lens systems. The centration error of each surface within a lens is measured non-destructively. This information can be used to give the centration of a single lens or for example a sub-assembly with respect to a free-selectable symmetry-axis, making this feature an ideal tool for manufacturing or quality control.
SmartAlign Upgrade
With the patented SmartAlign algorithm, available as an update for the OptiCentric® software, the position of the measured centration error with respect to a user-defined optical or mechanical axis is analyzed. This unique tool is used with particular success in the “OptiCentric® for Production Series”.
Upgrade to OptiCentric® 3D
For the measurement of center thicknesses and air gaps within objective lenses the low-coherence interferometer OptiSurf® can be integrated into OptiCentric® systems
OptiCentric® 3D Upgrade for center thickness measurement
Upgrade for Cementing of Doublets
Each OptiCentric® system that is equipped with an air bearing can be upgraded for high-precision alignment and cementing of lenses. Hence, investments in a new system are not necessary.
Upgrade for cementing of lenses
CylinderCheck Upgrade
With the CylinderCheck upgrade it is possible to determine the centration of the cylinder axis and the wedge of cylindrical lenses.
Measuring a lens with CylinderCheck
Upgrade for Testing Infrared Optics
For quality control of mounted infrared optics, the measurement head measuring in the visual range is exchanged for a measurement head that works with infrared ligh
Measurement of IR lenses with VIS-IR measuring head
AspheroCheck® Upgrade
The AspheroCheck® upgrade uses a high-precision optical distance sensor to measure the slope and position of an aspherical axis relative to a given reference axis.
AspheroCheck Upgrade
OptiAngle® Upgrade
This upgrade transforms the OptiCentric® system into a powerful tool for the angle measurement of plane optics.
MultiCentric® Measurement Head
The MultiCentric® measurement head measures simultaneously the three centers of curvature. The advantages of the new measurement head are particularly evident in alignment cementing and production testing of achromats/doublets, since the process time per sample is significantly reduced.
The MultiCentric® measuring head multiplies the efficiency of the cementing process
OptiCentric® Workstation
In principle, all devices of the OptiCentric® 100 range can be integrated into the workstation. Accessories, PC and various controllers in particular can be mounted and stored away in the specially designed table concept. As a result, day-to-day work with our equipment is made easier, simultaneously resulting in increased efficiency and ergonomics.
OptiCentric® Cementing Workstation with UV Housing
Accessories
Expand accessory components and simplify the application of OptiCentric® systems
Rotation Device with Vacuum Unit
The rotation device with vacuum unit is a rotation device to measure the centering error of single lenses with the outer edge as the reference. The lens is rotated using a motor-driven friction wheel against a V-prism. The lens is held in position by vacuum.
The control of all functions such as the pressure, rotational speed and vacuum pump is integrated in one control unit. A compressed air line system is not required.
Rotation Device with Vacuum Unit
Tip-tilt table (TRT)
OptiCentric® systems use tip-tilt tables to align samples. The decoupled movements of the tip-tilt tables allow for precise positioning of the sample or sample holder. Tip-tilt tables are available in different diameters for a variety of applications and measurement systems.
Tip and tilt table
Motorized Tilt and Translation Table (TRT)
For simplified sample-handling in the measurement or alignment process of an optical system especially OptiCentric® 3D 100 can be equipped with the motorized tilt and translation table (TRT). Instead of the traditional manually performed process, the motorized TRT tilts and shifts the sample such that the optical axis of the lens is aligned to match the reference axis of the system. This is performed fully automated and without interruption of the measuring process, thus permitting a shortened test cycle
Motorized Tilt and Translation Table (TRT)
Extending the Measuring Range
The head lenses allow the measuring range of an OptiCentric® system for radii of curvature and focal lengths to be extended to ±2000 mm and more. This means OptiCentric® systems are much more flexible than systems that work without head lenses.
Encoder Upgrade
Linear encoder upgrade for high resolution.
Turret
A turret is recommended to change the head lenses quickly and easily. OptiCentric® offers a manual 4x changer and a motorized computer-controlled 6x changer.
Turret to change the head lenses
Probes and Linear Scales
All sensors and linear scales are fully integrated into the system and analyzed using the software.
The edge of the lens or mount is measured by optical or tactile sensors and used to determine the symmetry axis of the lens or mount. The software then checks how the symmetry axis and optical axis are positioned relative to each other.
Linear scales are required for the radii measurement of lenses.
Optical gauge
Light Sources
Most OptiCentric® systems have a standard interface for the illumination, so that different light sources can be used. (High-Power LED, cold light source)
Alignment Set
A set with two highly accurate plane-parallel plates (diameter 25 and 50 mm) and two glass beads (diameter 4-12 mm and 14-28 mm) is available for the calibration of samples or for direct alignment of sample mounts and housings
Reference Wedge
Reference wedges are used to check the measurement accuracy of the OptiCentric® system. They are compliant to international standards
OptiSurf® Reference Objective Lens
In combination with an OptiCentric® 3D update, an gauge block is recommended with which it is possible to check the accuracy of the air gap and center thickness measurement. The gauge block complies with international standards.
Vacuum Chucks
Due to the large number of individual lens designs, it is almost impossible to use a standard holder for all lenses. Therefore various sizes of chucks are available that are suitable for many common lens geometries. In addition, the design of the vacuum chuck is kept simple and cost-effective so that in principle they can be made individually and without much cost.
