Vignetting as a physical measurement principle for the characterization of aspheres

In classic optics such as photography, industrial image processing and measuring technology with autocollimators, vignetting always plays a crucial role. Measuring on aspherical components, such as those used in space applications, photography and cinema, automotive, laser, medical and consumer applications, is also problematic because centuries-old methods of measuring on spheres contradict the thought patterns of the asphere. The physical measurement principle of the 'Vignetting Field Stop' VFS solves the problem, measuring at large distance with large field of view and large depth of focus at small footprint. We will show the measuring principle of the VFS and, as an application, the characterization of aspherical surfaces with the quality of the "straightness" of the aspheric axis ('kink in the optics') with the position of the regression axis in space (angle and position) as well as 'mid spatial Frequency Errors’ MSFE of the Surface.