I. Traditional Inspection: Trapped Between "Test Plates" and "Lines"
For a long time, the surface shape inspection of cylindrical lenses mainly relied on the following traditional methods, but they are increasingly inadequate for the demands of modern high-precision industry:
1. Test Plate Method: This ancient method relies on skilled technicians observing interference fringes (Newton's rings). Because it's a contact-based measurement, it easily scratches the expensive lens surface; moreover, the sample can only provide qualitative judgment, unable to provide quantitative sub-nanometer digital surface shape data, and it cannot meet the needs of aspherical and cylindrical surfaces.
2. Contour Scanning: An Expensive "Point-Line" Game and Efficiency Bottleneck
Contact Contour Scanning (Representative Equipment: Panasonic UA3P)
Non-Contact Contour Scanning (Representative Equipment: LUPHOScan, DUI, Netherlands)
Core Pain Point: Expensive equipment, resulting in excessive depreciation burden for small processing manufacturers.
II. CGH Solution: The "Perfect Benchmark" for Lowering Dimensions
Addressing the above pain points, Zhixing Optics' Cylindrical CGH (Cylindrical Standard Lens) inspection solution offers processors a highly cost-effective option with its advantages of high precision, low cost, and high efficiency.
1. Sub-nanometer Detection Accuracy
The core logic of CGH is to utilize the principle of holographic diffraction to precisely "twist" the standard wavefront (planar or spherical) emitted by the interferometer into a cylindrical wavefront that perfectly matches the measured cylindrical surface. Through this "zero-compensation" detection, the originally complex measurement of aspherical cylindrical surfaces becomes as simple and intuitive as inspecting a plane mirror. Zhixing Optics, through optimized etching processes, can control the manufacturing error of CGH itself to the nm level, providing customers with ultimate detection accuracy.
2. Full-Field Array, Say Goodbye to "Blind Men and the Elephant"
Unlike profilometers, CGH inspection is non-contact. Under the interferometer's field of view, the overall surface shape of the cylindrical mirror, local defects, and even minute distortions along the long axis are all clearly visible.
3. Rapid Alignment and Cost Reduction
Zhixing Optics' unique "hybrid CGH processing technology" integrates high-contrast amplitude-type alignment marks on the CGH substrate. This reduces the previously extremely tedious interferometer and CGH alignment process to the second level. Combined with our developed rapid inspection fixtures, it achieves a manual efficiency of UPH 60 (60 pieces per hour), significantly reducing the cost per piece inspected.
III. Unity of Knowledge and Action: Deeply Rooted Strength in Cylindrical Lens Inspection
At Zhixing Optics, we deeply understand the research effort and industrial value behind every cylindrical lens. To completely bridge the final gap from "laboratory design" to "industrial mass production," Zhixing Optics has established a comprehensive technological moat in the field of cylindrical CGHs:
1. Full Specification Coverage, Pushing Parameter Limits
To adapt to various needs from micro-nano optics to large-aperture space cameras, Zhixing Optics has established a standardized product series library. We offer a full range of substrate sizes, including 2-inch, 3-inch, 4-inch, 6-inch, and even 9-inch. In terms of key optical parameters, Zhixing Optics' cylindrical CGH can reach a minimum Fno of 0.7, which can easily meet the testing challenges of large numerical aperture and high steepness aspherical cylindrical mirrors, filling the gap in domestic ultra-fast cylindrical mirror testing.
Industrial New Product Certificate
2. Digital Empowerment: Self-Developed Selection Tool
Faced with complex aspherical parameters, how to quickly find the best matching CGH? Zhixing Optics has developed a dedicated online selection tool for cylindrical CGHs. Users only need to input the lens's radius of curvature and effective aperture, and a selection solution is provided in seconds. This significantly reduces communication costs in the early stages of a project.
Cylindrical CGH Selection Interface
3. Closed-Loop Delivery: Full-Dimensional Precision Assembly and Adjustment Fixture System
Accurate measurement is predicated on accurate alignment. For cylindrical CGH applications, Zhixing Optics not only provides a "scale" but also develops a complete hardware solution:
CGH Dedicated Six-Dimensional Adjustment Fixture: This fixture possesses micron-level adjustment capabilities with six degrees of freedom (6-DOF), enabling precise coaxial alignment between the CGH and the interferometer's optical axis.
Multi-dimensional adjustment frame (145mm light height on the left, 108mm light height on the right)
Cylindrical lens dedicated clamping fixture: We have designed a highly stable dedicated clamp for the special geometry of cylindrical lenses, ensuring that the stress on the lens is minimized during the inspection process and supporting rapid and repeatable positioning.
Cylindrical clamping fixture
Highly Efficient Collaboration: Combined with holographic alignment marks on the CGH, this tooling system modularizes and standardizes the previously cumbersome assembly and adjustment process, achieving a truly rapid experience from unpacking to data output.
Conclusion
At Zhixing Optics, we deeply understand the industrial value behind every precision cylindrical mirror. To completely streamline the process from "laboratory design" to "mass production," we not only provide sub-nanometer-level cylindrical CGHs, but also leverage our self-developed selection tools and mature optomechanical integrated solutions to offer a complete closed-loop service, from solution selection and high-precision adjustment tooling to clamping assistance. Zhixing Optics is not just a maker of precision scales, but also your high-quality partner for overcoming cylindrical inspection challenges, helping you accurately reproduce every wavefront.
Knowledge and Action in Harmony, Optics Without Boundaries
Ningbo Zhixing Optics Technology Co., Ltd. – A Leader in Precision Holographic Inspection
