An off-axis, three-mirror anastigmat was optically aligned for minimum wavefront error using three different analysis methods to improve alignment efficiency. The three methods involved CODE V Automatic Design (AUT), CODE V Alignment Optimization (ALI), as well as a Zernike Sensitivity Analysis (SENS). Not all methods converged on the same solution during alignment, but all tools were used in unison to optimize the optical alignment process. During initial optical alignment, the AUT tool better estimated the proper magnitude of the required alignment. As alignment progressively became finer, the ALI and SENS tools both produced superior, more in-family alignment solutions. Conclusively, depending on the coarseness of the optical alignment required, all alignment strategies have their merits, but most importantly each tool provides a check against other alignment solutions. Therefore, all tools aid in directing the optical alignment towards a global minimum.

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Conor W. Staples, Bob J. Brown, and Brian C. Primeau, "TMA optical alignment using code V automatic design, code V alignment optimization, and Zernike sensitivity analysis," Proc. SPIE 11816, Optomechanics and Optical Alignment, 1181608 (Presented at SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications: August 01, 2021; Published: 11 August 2021); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2596487.