Vector field theory applied to the measurement of high numerical aperture off-axis aspheres and freeforms

The application of vector field theory for characterizing the electric field at the focal point in high numerical aperture reflective optical systems shows how distortions and wavefront errors stem from the ideal shape of the aspheric surfaces. These distortions are predicted by Stratton-Chu diffraction theory, but actual laboratory measurements contain additional error sources making isolation of theoretical predictions difficult. These additional error sources include misalignments during optical setup, distortion from reference optics, and exacerbating consequences of double-pass interferometry. Using a range of software tools, this study provides a deeper understanding of the interplay between optic geometry, surface imperfections, and alignment errors, offering valuable insights for optimizing design, and manufacturing processes and achieving ultimate system performance. Such phenomenon and resulting techniques have applications in the optimization of systems design and manufacturing of advanced airborne and space-based imagers, and research into achieving ultraintense energies in laser fusion applications.