PRODUCTS
Optical Alignment
Precision optical alignment techniques for advanced telescopes and optical systems
Argus Alignment™ Method
Argus Alignment™ delivers a complete, deterministic method for optical alignment and verification of telescopes, ensuring accuracy and efficiency for high-performance systems.
This holistic optical alignment approach controls all degrees of freedom simultaneously, eliminating ambiguity in alignment. It provides a deterministic, sequential process—replacing the tedious iterations of traditional methods, saving time and effort. Using computer-generated holograms (CGHs) and precision mechanics, Argus ensures highly accurate positioning of optical elements with clear feedback for the user.
Want to learn more? Read our technical article: Argus Method for Telescope Alignment Using CGHs
A Smarter Approach to Alignment
Traditional optical alignment methods can be iterative and time-consuming, introducing uncertainty at every step. Argus Alignment streamlines the process with a deterministic, full-field approach:
- Aligns all degrees of freedom simultaneously for a holistic and streamlined process.
- Lock in PM/SM subsystem alignment to the aft optics via mechanical datums.
- Follows a deterministic, sequential methodology—eliminating tedious, repetitive adjustments.
- The method is available for a range of telescope designs, with an ever-expanding suite of alignment capabilities.
A Scalable Optical Alignment Solution
Argus is a custom-built system designed to meet your alignment needs—whether you need a simple setup or a fully integrated AI&T station. With a scalable approach, Argus delivers reliable and repeatable alignment to meet your system requirements by combining high-precision components and engineering expertise.
From essential to comprehensive, Argus can include:
- The Dual CGHs that are the heart of the Argus alignment system
- Precision mechanics for deterministic alignment between your optical and mechanical systems
- Robust data acquisition and analysis tools for quickly interpreting fringe feedback
- A turnkey AI&T station to integrate interferometer, CGHs, alignment telescope, and ACF
- End-to-end engineering and hardware support, from set up through training
Whether you need quick and straightforward optical alignment for high-volume production, accurate characterization for high-precision instruments, or a little bit of both—Argus can be your customized solution.
Dual CGH to set
mirrors to optical axis
Precision-positioned system
alignment master hologram
Turnkey systems for production-level AI&T
Powered by AOM’s Advanced CGHs
Benefit from our decades of experience in CGH design for smooth, precise optical alignment. Our innovative CGHs feature:
- Multiple Zone Patterns: Each CGH has multiple holographic patterns with near-perfect co-registration, enabled by the high precision of lithographic processes.
- DOF-Specific Feedback: Each zone is crafted to provide clear feedback on specific DOFs to demystify the system wavefront.
- Snapshot Assessment: Simultaneous fringe data from the multiple zones provides an instantaneous view of the current alignment state.
- Full-Field Verification: AOM’s analysis package easily analyzes wavefronts across multiple field points to verify full system alignment.
AOM’s custom-engineered multi-zone CGHs guide you seamlessly from initial alignment to complete system verification, offering clear, unambiguous feedback so you can be confident in your system’s performance.
Designed for High-Volume, High-Precision Applications
Argus Alignment™ is ideal for:
- Space-based remote-sensing telescope constellations with ultra-tight tolerances.
- Free-space optical data terminals enabling hyperspeed global data transfer.
- Astronomical instrumentation for cutting-edge research.
Get Started with Argus Alignment™
- Schedule a consultation to discuss your project.
- Integrate AOM into your team for seamless execution.
- Optimize your design early—small adjustments can greatly enhance the AI&T process.