<title>Wavefront sensors for control and processing monitoring in optics manufacture</title>

Measurement is an integral part of optics manufacture, where grinding and polishing steps are linked iteratively with the testing steps. While numerous test methods have been developed, many of these are prone to vibration effects that limit their application to in-situ monitoring, or have other limitations. We have applied Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensors to the problems of optics measurement. We have developed an instrument that allows testing in common configurations, and also provides new ways to test optics. The current device is extremely sensitive. We have demonstrated this device for testing various optical elements including lenses, mirrors and laser rods.