Introduction to Optical Alignment Techniques

Level: Introductory Length: 7 hours Format: In-Person Lecture Intended Audience: This course is intended for engineers and technicians needing practical information and industry standard techniques for aligning both simple and complex optical systems. While not a requirement, a basic knowledge of geometric optics with aberrations will be helpful. Those with a more mechanical background are also welcome and will learn how that knowledge applies to optical alignment. Description: Optical system alignment can be especially challenging and infuriating, even for a “simple” system. This is due to two main challenges – the inability to physically touch/probe the optical axis (the light passing through the optical components), and the tolerances required to achieve good optical performance (may be order(s) of magnitude tighter than mechanical tolerances. This course will provide optical engineers and technicians the tools for aligning typical optical systems. These tools will include theory, equipment, and the tricks of trade. Learning Outcomes: This course will enable you to: - Consider alignment as a philosophy that is needed throughout the whole lifecycle of an optical system project - Interpret the basic mechanical theory of alignment using datums and the optical axis - Identify the common optical aberrations that result from misalignment rather than manufacturing, design, or mounting errors - Review the tools that provide feedback for misalignment in optical systems, both simple (business cards) and complex (microscopes, alignment telescopes, interferometers, etc.) though demonstration and example - Diagnose the misalignment in an optical system, qualitatively and quantitively by using these tools - Develop a sense of scale and determine the potential for error – Determine what magnitude of misalignment can be corrected and which tool is suitable for which application - Explain alignment of lens stacks through demonstration of the air-bearing alignment machine - Review the newest market offerings for alignment tools and techniques, including CGHs Instructor(s): Kate Medicus , PhD is the CEO and owner of Ruda Optical, an optical design and assembly firm located in Tucson, AZ. Dr. Medicus has over 20 years of experience in precision engineering and optical systems manufacturing. She has taught, lectured, and mentored, both formally and informally, in her current and post roles and is also an Adjunct Professor in The Institute of Optics at the University of Rochester. This SPIE course was first developed by the late Dr. Mitch Ruda and continued by Dr. Kenneth Castle. Dr. Medicus is honored to continue their legacy with this newest update. Event: SPIE Photonics West 2025 Course Held: 29 January 2025